Florence, Santa Maria del Fiore

(2 photos)
The outstanding Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Saint Mary of the Flowers), faced on the exterior with white, green and red tile, is one of the world’s largest cathedrals. Construction was begun in 1294 and the place of worship was consecrated in 1436. The huge dome is 348 feet high, and took fourteen years to build.

There are 464 steps to the top of the Cathedral dome, which, for reasons we never remember, we have not yet climbed. But we have climbed the 412 steps of the bell tower, the 269 foot high Campanile next to the Cathedral. From high above the city, the narrow congested streets are lined with tall old buildings with green shutters and sloping eaves. In many respects Florence appears to still be a busy mediaeval town.
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Just across the Piazza Duomo from Santa Maria del Fiore, is the 82 foot in diameter, several floors-high octagonal Battistero (Baptistry), in the Piazza San Giovanni. The East Door, facing the Duomo, was so beautiful it was called “The Gate to Paradise” by Michelangelo.

What a difference traffic control makes. Years ago, we drove our RV right through Piazza Duomo, parking beside the Cathedral or wherever we could find space nearby, but we can’t do that any more. Funny thing, in spite of these changes it still seems as if the air is filled with gasoline fumes.