Where: Florence, Italy
When: February 8, 2012
With: Loren and Rachel
The first thing that struck me about the Duomo is how different it looks than any other cathedral I've seen. This thing was quite the work in progress, which probably lends to its random look - while the cathedral itself was started in 1296, and it's dome wasn't added until 1436, the exterior wasn't completed until the 19th century. The exterior has been said to look like the cathedral has been caught out in its pajamas.
The interior has the same crazy marble patterns as the outside. However, aside from the marble, it's surprisingly stark and empty inside.
The interior of the dome is quite a contrast to the geometric patterns of the rest of the cathedral. At the time the body of the cathedral was built, a large hole was left open for the dome. At the time, there wasn't the technology to construct a dome the size of what was wanted. So they just left it open for 100 years. That is some serious faith that someone would be able to do it at some point.
After our tour of the interior, it was time to climb the hundreds of steps to the top of the dome. A lot of stairs. A lot of old, high, rail-less stairs.
First stop on the climb was a close-up of the painting on the inside of the dome (or duome, as we accidentally started calling it). This painting of the Last Judgement is definitely a dark one - talk about some Catholic guilt, yikes. I liked the 3 headed monster chowing down on a guy's head.
After a couple of windy loops around the dome, we decided it was time to start the descent down. Luckily the climb down the stairs went much quicker than the climb up. In front of the cathedral is the baptistry. The front doors, made of bronze and depicting various scenes, are renowned.
When: February 8, 2012
With: Loren and Rachel
The first thing that struck me about the Duomo is how different it looks than any other cathedral I've seen. This thing was quite the work in progress, which probably lends to its random look - while the cathedral itself was started in 1296, and it's dome wasn't added until 1436, the exterior wasn't completed until the 19th century. The exterior has been said to look like the cathedral has been caught out in its pajamas.
A close-up of the facade, all made with colorful marble.
The front entrance to the cathedral.
The interior has the same crazy marble patterns as the outside. However, aside from the marble, it's surprisingly stark and empty inside.
Lit a candle for Nanny. Thought she'd like the gaudyness of it all. The red candle in the middle, of course.
The interior of the dome is quite a contrast to the geometric patterns of the rest of the cathedral. At the time the body of the cathedral was built, a large hole was left open for the dome. At the time, there wasn't the technology to construct a dome the size of what was wanted. So they just left it open for 100 years. That is some serious faith that someone would be able to do it at some point.
After our tour of the interior, it was time to climb the hundreds of steps to the top of the dome. A lot of stairs. A lot of old, high, rail-less stairs.
Ironyyy.
First stop on the climb was a close-up of the painting on the inside of the dome (or duome, as we accidentally started calling it). This painting of the Last Judgement is definitely a dark one - talk about some Catholic guilt, yikes. I liked the 3 headed monster chowing down on a guy's head.
The view down from the top.
After thoroughly terrifying ourselves walking around the base of the dome's interior, we continued our climb up....more stairs. We knew we were getting close when started seeing the bricks. The herring bone pattern is supposedly what makes it structurally sound.
The last push to climb the dome. The stairs on the left were mildly imposing from the bottom. The ceiling was just so short, and the curve of the stairs was so...curvy. My favorite moment was when an old Japanese man turned the corner to see these for the first time. Even though he didn't speak any English, the look on his face as he looked up at these stairs followed by the yells to his wife were perfectly understood - I wanted to be like, I feel ya buddy, I'm right there with you, this is crazy.
At the end, the view was worth it. I give you...all of Florence.
After a couple of windy loops around the dome, we decided it was time to start the descent down. Luckily the climb down the stairs went much quicker than the climb up. In front of the cathedral is the baptistry. The front doors, made of bronze and depicting various scenes, are renowned.
For the rest of our trip in Florence, click here.
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