HOUSES OF THE HOLY: THE CATHEDRAL OF FLORENCE

The Florence Cathedral (aka Basilica di Santa Maria de Fiore) is quite possibly the city's most famous building. Dating back to the 13th Century, it can hold up to 30,000 people and at the time of its completion it was the largest cathedral in the world.

The structure's main feature is the large dome (Duomo) designed by Filippo Brunelleschi and built between 1420 and 1436. As you can see, it is currently under renovation.

The major draw here is the chance to climb over 450 steps to view the dome's interior up close and personal. It seemed like a good idea at the time, but after the first few hundred steps, you kind of wonder if you'll ever reach the top.

Eventually, you get to the dome's first level and can see a depiction of the Last Judgment painted by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari between 1568 and 1579.

At this point, you're not all the way to the top yet, but it's still a long way down.

Another set of stairs follows, this one leading to the dome's roof where you can take in some amazing views of the city.


On the way down, you are able to access the top level of the dome's interior. At this point, you are very close to the actual paintings.

One thing you can't help notice about the Cathedral is that it's covered with graffiti inside and out. You have to wonder what possesses some people to deface a 600 year-old church.

Once you're all the way down, you can see how the dome looks from below. At any angle, it's pretty impressive.