Eyes Wide Open in Florence

The richness of Italy shows up, when you realize how art is so much a part of their culture. We had our checklist of all of the museums we wanted to visit, filled with all of the great art you could ever imagine, but the greatest museums were the cities themselves: ancient buildings beautifully designed and preserved, narrow cobblestone walking streets peppered with geraniums in doorways, outdoor markets exploding with colorful displays of produce, and cafes filled with spectators sitting back with a cappuccino, marveling at it all.

Upon venturing out into the city of Florence, nose in our maps, we traced the route to go find the Duomo, one of Italy’s largest churches built in the 1200s. Glancing up, I felt the wind knock out of me, as I gasped in surprise...

There it was looming in the distance at the end of the street, a luminous green, pink and white marbled cathedral, with ornate columns and stained glass windows leading up to the magnificent dome. This was the Duomo, Florence's main cathedral housing the largest brick dome ever constructed.

We entered into the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore (or the Duomo, as it was originally called), the main church in Florence. 

The spiraling Gothic architecture was impressive, but we wanted to climb the dome.

Our challenge was seeing if we had the stamina to hike up over 463 narrow, winding and steep marble steps to the top. Probably the most difficult tower we climbed in Italy proved to be the most magnificent. 

The climb initially took you to the inside of the dome, where you could view the painting of the Last Judgement up close. Frescos of torture, with sinners going to hell, made me want leave quickly and continue the hike to the top.

Knees shaking, the views breathtaking, here we were at the top of the Duomo.

Tomorrow, the Uffizi and the Accademia, where art I've only seen in books, comes alive.