Religious site
Florence Cathedral
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The Florence Cathedral, officially the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, is the city's most recognizable landmark. Its stunning Gothic façade, made of white, green, and pink marble, and the massive terracotta dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi draw millions of visitors each year. Inside, the cathedral is vast and relatively austere, with highlights including Giorgio Vasari's fresco of the Last Judgment on the dome's interior and the beautiful stained-glass windows. Climbing the 463 steps to the top of the dome rewards you with panoramic views of Florence. The adjacent Giotto's Campanile and the Baptistery with its golden Gates of Paradise complete the religious complex. The cathedral remains an active place of worship, so visitors should be respectful.
Don't miss
- Climb Brunelleschi's Dome for city views
- Giotto's Campanile (bell tower) with its sculptural reliefs
- The Baptistery's bronze 'Gates of Paradise' by Ghiberti
- Vasari's fresco of the Last Judgment inside the dome
- The cathedral's intricate marble façade
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