Firenze's Duomo
The Duomo in the Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore was architecturally planned by Arnolfo Cambio at the close of the thirteenth Century and is, without question, one of Florence's most recognizable visitor magnets. Upon Cambio's death in the early 14th century progress on the cathedral ground to a halt. It wasn't until 30 years after that the Italian master Giotto agreed to continue working on the Duomo, he only managed to complete the bell-tower before his death in 1337. It was further twenty-seven years when the old cathedral was pulled down and a new one started. This some one-hundred years after the initial plans were drawn up.
Filippo Brunelleschi was commissioned to design the great dome (the Cupola) of the cathedral which was in fact made up of of two dome's, one can be seen in all its glory from the outside and another which can be studied from the interior of the cathedral. On the inner dome frescoes by Paolo Uccello grace the cupola. It was not until 1436, some one-hundred and thiry-six years after the project was started that the cathedral was finally completed.
Giotto's Bell-Tower Florence, Tuscany.
Giotto’s Campanile is an independent belfry that is housed in the Piazza del Duomo of Firenze. It is placed right next to the Santa Maria del Fiore and is one of the most striking examples of Florentine Gothic Architecture from the noted architect Giotto. It is 84.7 metres high and is supported by four buttresses on each corner.
Giotto never saw his Bell Tower completed, he laboured hard on the project from 1334 until his death in 1337, only seing the 1st floor finished. The marble used in the bell tower comes from Carrara (white), Prato (green) and Siena (red).
The best view: Piazzale Michelanglo
Piazzale Michelangelo provides the only view for tourists coming to Florence. It has it all, the Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio and the foothills of Fiesole as a backdrop. The main piazza is approximately 100 metres square, with the main portion allocated for scooters and coaches that park up allowing tourists to take in this wonderful view. In the summer months the Plaza has a peppering of market stalls and traders that sell an mixture of bags and mementos.
If it's a clear day in Florence you have no reason no to go to Piazzale Michelangelo because there is nothing quite like it, and it will leave a lasting impression. There's also a coffee bar in the Piazza from which you can take in the view while enjoying a Cappuccino or cocktail.
It goes without saying that wherever tourism is popular during the evening you need to be especially vigilant against thieves. You'll also find a greater number of market stalls springing up as well as local artists selling their wares. The sunset view is one for romantics, perched out on the steps gazing down over the town, but it's really on a clear sunny day or towards the hours of sunset that the Piazza shines.
Author Resource:-
You can read more about Discover Tuscany on our dedicated resource pages.
D. Flirtham is a travel writer for Tuscany Villas, a portal all about discovering the Tuscan lifestyle.
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