The Duomo

I have previously shared pictures of the massive Duomo, the domed cathedral of the beautiful Basilica of Saint Mary of the Flower.   Completed in 1,436, it is one of the largest churches in all of Italy.  This week Angie and I got to go inside the cathedral and climbed the 414 steps all the way up to the white Cupola at the very top of the brick-red dome. 

 The climb up inside to the top of the dome is not for the faint of heart – the ancient narrow stone stairwells are steeply pitched with wildly twisting turns and spiraling staircases.  There is very little natural light and in some places limited electric light, making it difficult to see some of the steps.  Less than half the steps have hand rails, and the narrow stairways and (in some places) low ceiling almost make you feel like you are hiking through a dungeon. Not a good place to be if you have claustrophobia! 

Starting inside at the bottom, the open, airy marble lined
dome is flanked with stained glass portals and houses a beautiful alter.

A view up from the floor shows just how high up the dome goes.

Taken just before exiting the first elevation level on the way up, 

the vibrant colors of the dome’s ceiling fresco highlight the incredible art work.

Just off the first elevation level, before you start the 

steep climbing, is a room with magnificent statues, 

visible only to those embarking on the climb up.

Once you extricate yourself from the medieval passageways that ascend the dome and exit onto the observation platform at the top, the city of Florence stretches before you to the horizon.  The small dome in the foreground is the Basilica of San Lorenzo.  The flat, oddly shaped brown building well beyond it is the sprawling Santa Maria Novella train station, whose trains can take you to any city in Italy or Europe you care to go.

Overlooking the south side of the city (in the direction of 

our apartment), the hills of southern Florence are a welcome 

change from the remainder of the city that is quite flat.

Don’t miss a step while looking down! 
The slippery slope of the steeply pitched dome makes
for a short ride and uncomfortable landing.

It is on these two small mountains just north of  the city limits where the town of Fiesole sits.  The town is actually spread across both mountain tops.  The low spot between the peaks is the center of town and where the bus drops you off – you are on your own to get to get yourself to either end of town, and I can assure you the streets and sidewalks are some of the steepest you will ever encounter.