Tourists have flocked in even greater numbers than usual to see the most famous statue in the world after a controversial sacking in the US.
Italians have reacted with shock after a US principal was fired for showing students a picture of Michelangelo's classic sculpture David, prompting parents to complain it was "pornography".
Hope Carrasquilla became principal at Tallahassee Classical School in Florida only a few months ago but was sacked after three parents complained about the content of an art lesson.
Following the controversial sacking visitors to Florence in Italy have photographed themselves with the famous 5.17m statue.
Americans in particular, many of whom are in Italy over Spring break, have been posing for selfies with a statue that is widely considered to be the greatest example of Renaissance sculpture.
One US tourist posted a picture of themselves and wrote: "While Floridians were being weird last week, I was on my first visit to Florence and made it to the David.
"With so much to see I debated scratching it! Ah, but the emotion in David's eyes will stay with me forever - a highlight of my trip. Happy Easter season, Florentines!"
Many people have shared a photo of a group of nuns - clearly undeterred by David's nudity - using a selfie stick to capture themselves with the finely chiselled Biblical character.
Ms Carrasquilla lost her job after decided that she would teach students a lesson on Renaissance art which includes David, the Creation of Adam fresco painting, and Birth of Venus, all which feature nude figures.
The principal was told by the school's board chair, Barney Bishop, that she must resign or be fired, uit has been reported.
The statue of Michelangelo's David and many other works of great Renaissance art are kept in Italy and the locals are perplexed and furious in equal measure about the response to children being taught about it.
Dario Nardella, Mayor of Florence, where the world-famous statue is kept, described the incident as "ridicolo" (ridiculous).
Writing on Twitter in his native language he wrote: "A Florida teacher was forced to quit for showing students photos of Michelangelo's David. Mistaking art for pornography is just ridiculous
"I will personally invite the teacher to Florence to give her recognition on behalf of the city. Art is civilization and whoever teaches it deserves respect."
Another social media user commented underneath saying: "Art has no greater enemy than the ignorant."
Sunday’s front page of the Italian daily publication Corriere della Sera featured a cartoon by a satirist depicting David with his genitals covered by an image of Uncle Sam and the word “Shame.”
Cecilie Hollberg, director of the Galleria dell’Accademia, where the David resides, expressed astonishment at the controversy.
“To think that David could be pornographic means truly not understanding the contents of the Bible, not understanding Western culture and not understanding Renaissance art,” Hollberg said.
Following the spat at the school, the board implemented a new rule requiring parental notification two weeks in advance of any potentially controversial curriculum.
Some parents expressed frustration with the lack of communication from the school and the teacher turnover.
Barney Bishop, chairman of Tallahassee Classical’s school board, has told reporters that while the photo of the statue played a part in Carrasquilla’s ousting, it wasn’t the only factor.
He has declined to elaborate, while defending the decision.
“Parents are entitled to know anytime their child is being taught a controversial topic and picture,” Bishop said.
