Firenze's Duomo
The Firenze Duomo was contrived by Arnolfo Cambio at the close of the 13th Century and is, without question, one of Tuscany's most recognizable tourist magnets. When Cambio died in the early 14th century progress on the cathedral ground to a pause. It wasn't until some thirty years later that the Italian artist Giotto agreed to continue working on the Duomo, he only managed to complete the bell-tower before his death in 1337. It was further 27 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 engaged to design the great dome (the Cupola) of the cathedral which was in fact constructed of two dome's, one can be seen in all its glory from the outside while another which can be viewed from the interior of the cathedral. On the inner dome frescoes by Paolo Uccello 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 Belfry Toscana.
Giotto’s Campanile is an free-standing belfry that can be found in the Piazza del Duomo of Florence, Tuscany. It is set adjacent to the Florence Cupola and is one of the cleanest examples of Florentine Gothic Architecture from the noted craftsman Giotto. It is 84.7 metres high and is supported by four buttresses on each corner.
Giotto never saw his Bell Tower completed, he laboured hard on the project from 1334 until his death in 1337, only seing the first floor finished. The stone 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 square is approximately 100 metres squared, with the main section used for scooters and buses that park up allowing tourers to take in this wonderful view. In the hottest months the Square has a scattering of market stalls and traders that sell an range of handbags and keepsakes.
If it's a clear sunny day in Florence you simply must go to Piazzale Michelangelo because there's nothing quite like it in the World, and it will leave on you a long-lasting feeling. There's also a cafe in the Piazza from which you can take in the view while enjoying a Cappuccino Coffee or cocktail.
It goes without saying that wherever tourism is popular during the evening you need to be especially vigilant against pickpockets. You'll also find more market stalls springing up as well as local creative people selling their wares. 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 shines.
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