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fldome.jpg Brunelleschi's Dome (1436) |
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Florence, city of
art. City of architecture, too, with the Piazza del Duomo and its
multi-colored Duomo behind the octagonal Baptistery.
Finished in 1436, Brunelleschi's dome is a staggering achievement. It spans 43 metres and rises from a base 55 metres above the floor of the nave. It produces 25,000 tonnes of lateral thrust. The dome consists of two shells, an inner shell four metres thick, and an outer shell one metre thick. It is possible to climb to the top of the dome - 463 steps. After the first part of the climb, you arrive at a gallery that runs round the interior of the dome. After this, you climb up between the two shells of the dome up to the marble lantern on top of the dome - from where there are breathtaking views across the city. --- The Palazzo Vecchio is Florence's town hall, and contains fine examples of Mannerist art, frescoes and scuptures, including works by Michelangelo and Donatello. --- The Uffizi Gallery is the finest picture gallery in Italy.
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flcampa.jpg
Giotto's Campanile (1342) |
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flfront.jpg The cathedral facade (1887!) |
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flcath.jpg The cathedral (duomo) over the rooftops from Hotel Brunelleschi |
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flpalazzo.jpg
Palazzo Vecchio (1560) |
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flpal.jpg
Palazzo Vecchio framed by Galleria Degli Uffizi |