Designed by Arnolfo di Cambio at the end of the 13th century, the Cathedral's trademark dome is now the symbol of Florence.

The cathedral was begun at the end of the 13th century, but was added to right up until the 19th century. It was not actually consecrated until around 140 years after it was begun.

Inside the cathedral you will find a very old clock near the entrance which has a hand that moves round the wrong way. The rest of the interior is somewhat plain and austere, supposedly to represent the spiritual ideal of Florence during the building of the cathedral. There are some paintings in the cathedral as well of busts of men like Giotto and Brunelleschi. There are also works depicting the Virgin Mary. The dome is painted inside, with scenes from the Last Judgement. The exterior is covered in decoration (although it is mainly from the 19th Century, a copy of 16th Century work). The same goes for the bell tower and the baptistry. They are beautiful to look at.

For the best view of the city, climb the bell tower. It is better than climbing the dome of the cathedral because it means that you can see the dome. However, the climb is not for the faint-hearted- the stairs are narrrow and very uneven, and once you've reached the top the platform which you stand on is ridiculously narrow, but it is worth the trek, even if you only get to the second level its worth a look.

Hours

Church Mon-Wed and Fri 10am-5pm; Thurs 10am-3:30pm; 1st Sat of month 10am-3:30pm, other Sat 10am-4:45pm; Sun 1:30-4:30pm. Free tours every 40 min. daily, 10:30am-noon and 3-4:20pm. Cupola Mon-Fri 8:30am-6:20pm; Sat 8:30am-5pm (1st Sat of month to 3:20pm)Location:Piazza del

DuomoTransportation

Bus: 1, 6, 17, 14, 22, 23, 36, 37, or71

Prices

Admission to church free; Santa Reparata excavations 3€ ($3.90); cupola 6€ ($7.80), free for children under 6

URL: http://www.operaduomo.firenze.it

E-mail: opera@operaduomo.firenze.it