Florence, Italy2-3 hoursMorning
Florence Cathedral (Duomo)
Brunelleschi's dome — still the world's largest masonry cupola.
Ideal: Ideal for Renaissance art, architecture, city views, and Florence itineraries.
Brunelleschi built the dome from 1420 to 1436 without ever erecting the usual wooden scaffolding; roughly four million herringbone-laid bricks support themselves and the structure remains the world's largest masonry dome. 463 steps lead to the lantern at the top, passing between the dome's two shells. The adjacent bell tower design belongs to Giotto from 1334. The marble façade is not as old as it looks: the original front was left unfinished, and today's neo-Gothic face was completed in 1887.
Why go?
- To see Brunelleschi's dome and Florence's most iconic building
- To experience one of the most important examples of Renaissance architecture
- To view the city from the tower or dome
Travel tip
The dome climb is popular and tiring; book ahead and plan your time slot.
