Duomo di Firenze aka: Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore

The view up there is gorgeous but get ready to climb 463 steps. Sure it’s a good workout but it’s very tiring

I took my now wife on our first holiday together to Florence and we climbed to the top of the Duomo. It has to be one of the most remarkable pieces of Italian architecture and a must for anyone visitng Florence.

I love the colourful exterior – reminds me of a humbug sweet :)

Before entering the cathedral, i hadn´t seen any picture of its interior… we peeped through the side door and it seemed that there are only white walls and nothing interesting inside… the entrance fee was for students quite high, so we had decided not to enter (what a lost it could have been!). On Sunday, there was free entrance and we got in… when I saw that ceiling, I could only hold my breathe and stay without a word…the painting is so huge and amazing! I´ve never seen anything like this.. standing i the cathedral I had a feeling, that i´m really only a small drop in compare to the rest of the world..

Was just earlier this month. We opted not to go inside, and just enjoyed a walk around the outside. It’s nice, but we just weren’t inspired enough to wait in line behind some tour groups headed in.

I went here when I was about 20, on my own. I ran out of money and had to use the charitas and get free stay.

The Duomo is amazing, both inside and out. It is so big and beautiful! While I was in it, I got to hear the men’s choir rehearsing, and it was so beautiful.v Don’t forget to see Brunelleschi’s grave in the basement.

Only book tours for the difficult to get into places; ie to see the Statue of David. other than that, wander free and have fun!!

So gorgeous, much like in Milan, I wish I had gone to the top. Loved being there, even if it is a church.

Breathtaking view of Florence… and the literal “breath-taking” climb up is well worth it!