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On Top Of The World, Florence

I have spent much of this week being continually blown away by Florence’s architecture.

Hiding around every corner seems to be a fresco covered, marble clad, brightly coloured, sculpture stuffed, reason for my jaw to hit the floor, my pointing finger immediately hovers upwards and I say “Ooohhhh, look at that!”

It is all just so impossibly beautiful.

But if I had to choose one to make a fuss of and show you around, it would have to be Il Duomo di Firenze; Florence’s Cathedral.

Not only is is stunningly beautiful, but with a little bit of hard work on your end, it’ll graciously treat you to one of the best views in the world.

Building commenced in 1296 and the exterior is panelled in pink (Siena), green (Prato) and white (Carrara) marble.

It’s cool to the touch and glistens in the afternoon sunlight.

Wherever you choose to stand and marvel (or gawp in my case) at the detailing, angels look down upon you from the stone work.

The tremendous bronze doors at the entrance depict the life of The Madonna.

And inside, behind them, the cathedral is modest and calm.

Not quite stuffed to the rafters with gilded artefacts and singing choir boys (as I might have hoped), instead it’s bouquets of candles that give life to the cavernous space.

But the hand painted dome (the biggest one ever built, as it happens) showing “The Final Judgement” is sure to make up for any & all disappointment.

Especially when you find out you can climb up into it!

If you’re not afraid of small spaces, the dark, heights or exercise… I thoroughly recommend a trip up to the top.

You wind through seemingly endless tunnels, spirals and staircases to get up there.

How many steps are there in Florence’s Duomo?

Too many. (Though the official number may come in at around 500, I can promise you, it feels like ten times that!)

But it all feels worth it when you reach the dome.

The incredible frescos, inspired by the Sistine Chapel, painted by Giorgio Vasari in 1572 are right there, within touching distance.

Though the distance to the floor is a bit of a knee trembler!

Climb just a little further and you’ll emerge through a tiny hole in the roof, onto the top of the dome.

With all of Florence at your feet.

You could easily spend all afternoon just spotting the sights.

You could even take a little picnic if you’re feeling particularly civilised!

The roof cascades away beneath your feet, with nothing but a low rail to keep you from tumbling off in the breeze…

^ Can you spot the church from my last post?

If only I could have worn the gown up to the top! Though I think my touristing outfit was a little more practical.

Florence Travel Blog -1-2

Burberry coat // Cotton tee // Jeans // Ballet pumps

Lanvin Sugar Bag (Pre-Order) // Sunnies

Silver May Soulmate Bangle (My boyfriend wears the same one, but with the quote on the inside and brushed gold on the exterior)

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To get down you have to walk your way around the final level of the dome’s interior. It’s a tight passage perched precariously over the centre of the cathedral, with glass walls.

So just don’t look down!

Catching your breath outside, it’s hard to believe that you were just up there in that Tuscan blue sky.

Florence seems to be bathed in a light that we rarely experience in London.

It’s golden and warm but fresh and blue all at once. It makes the streets utterly irresistible when it comes to afternoon wanderings.

If you pass by, don’t forget to rub the boar’s nose!

Partly for luck but mostly because he likes it.

Oh and enjoy the fine forms on show in Piazza della Signoria.

^ I’ve been known to get this way about the last pastry at breakfast too, fella. Don’t worry.

Of course if you truly want to enjoy yourself like a local, pull up a chair, grab a cappuccino, sit back and watch the world go by.

Dolce far niente!

 

 

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