The Facade of the Duomo

Our hotel was around the corner from the Duomo, so this became a familiar site.

View of the Piazza della Rebubblica from the Top of the Dome

One of my first activities in a medieval city is to climb to the highest point, so we immediately climbed the steps of the cathedral to the top of the dome.

Rib Supporting the Dome

Dome architect Filippo Brunelleschi used ribs to support the weight of the dome.

View of Sante Croce Church and Palazzo Vecchio

Eric and LeAnn with Sante Croce in Background

Arms length self portrait from the top of the dome.

Campanile

The tower designed by Giotto.

Eric with the Tuscan Countryside

The Palazzo Vecchio and Uffizi Gallery

One last view from the top of the Duomo.

Eric at the Gates of Paradise

The Gates of Paradise are the east doors of the Babistery. The panels were designed by Lorenzo Ghiberti .

Close-Up of a Bapistery Door Panel

This panel depicts Moses and the Ten Commandments. This is a copy, but we did see some of the originals in the nearby Duomo Museum.

The Pitti Palace

The home of the ruling family during the Renaissance.

View of Pitti Palace with Obelisk

A steep hill ascends from the palace into the Boboli Gardens, offering views of the palace and an Egyptian Obelisk.