Brunelleschi's Duomo
The Duomo in the Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore was designed at the hands of Arnolfo Cambio at the close of the 13th Century and is, without question, one of Florence's most recognizable visitor attractions. On the death of Cambio in the early 14th century work on the masterpiece ground to a halt. It wasn't until some thirty years after that the Italian master Giotto agreed to work on the Duomo, he only managed to complete the bell-tower before his death in 1337. It was another 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 project manage the great dome (the Cupola) of the now infamous cathedral which was in fact made up of of two dome's, one dome can be seen in all its glory from the outside and another which can be explored from the interior of the cathedral. On the inside 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 Toscana.
Giotto’s Belfry is an single-standing bell tower that is located in the Piazza del Duomo of Florence, Tuscany. It is positioned adjacent to the and is one of the finest examples of Florentine Gothic Architecture from the noted master Giotto. It is 84.7 metres in height and is supported by four buttresses on each corner.
Giotto never saw his Bell Tower completed, he worked 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 all before it, the Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio and the hills of Fiesole as a backdrop. The main piazza is approximately 100 metres square, with the main portion assigned for cars and buses that park up to allow tourers to take in this great view. In the hottest months the Piazza has a peppering of market kiosks and traders that sell an range of bags and keepsakes.
If it's a clear sunny 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 long-lasting impression. There's also a cafe in the Piazza from which you can take in the view while enjoying a Cappuccino or cocktail.
Needless to say that wherever tourism is popular during the evening you need to be especially vigilant against pickpockets. You'll also find a greater number of market stalls springing up as well as local artists selling their works. The sunset view is one for happy couples, 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 really glows.
Author Resource:-
You can read more about Tuscany Villas on our dedicated resource pages.
E. Akeba is a travel blogger for Tuscany Villas, a website all about loving the Tuscan life.
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