Wonderful info, thanks for sharing! I've been to Florence four times, but not since '05. It's my favorite city in the world. As the birthplace of western culture, it has so much art, history, and architecture as you mentioned, it was a life changing experience the first time I went there. I would live there part of the year if I could afford it. There are still some great bottega's (art studios and workshops) there as well...
If you ever get the chance, try the wild boar stew at Nutti's. Holy cow, it's to die for
