Florence part I - Duomo di Firenze

Next on the itinerary was Florence. We just happened to be staying an apartment that was overlooking the central Piazza del Duomo, which is home to the famous church, tower and baptistry. This was a great base to explore some great buildings, galleries and gelateria. Some of the highlights were the original statue of David and the Uffizi Gallery (where photography was not allowed).

4. Duomo di Firenze
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 The main dome of the church. Designed by Brunelleschi and finished in 14630

 The front facade with our accommodation in the left background. (The facade is a 19th century neo-gothic addition)

 View from our apartment

 (Very) early morning shot of the dome from our accommodation

 View from the top of the dome looking at Piazza della Signora, the Palazzo Vecchio (building with tower) and the Uffizi (U-shaped building behind and to the right of the Palazzo Vecchio)

Badia Fiorentina (tower on right) and Casa di Dante (Dante's reputed birthplace on the left)

 Mum and Dad up top

 Yours truly in front of Giotto's Tower

 Giotto's tower by night (designed by Giotto in 1334, completed in 1359)

Fresco on the inside of the dome

Baptistry in the late evening

 East door of the Baptistry "Gates of Paradise"

Inside the Baptistry 13th Century mosaics depicting the Last Judgement