The Duomo and Baptistery - Florence

No mater where you go in Florence, you can not help but notice the Duomo. This massive structure can be seen from all over the city. It is a gathering place for the people of Florence. We experienced artisans, locals and tourists. Some hastily making their way across the square, while others can be seen taken up by the wonders of this structure.

The Duomo (Cathedral) is known to be the 4th largest church in the world. Our hotel was located about a block from this immense, beautiful church. It provided us a lovely picture each morning from the breakfast terrace (picture 1) of the hotel. The Duomo was so big, it was impossible for us to take a picture the whole structure in one shot. Picture 2 is a closer detail of one of the sides of the church. Picture 3 is a close up of the fresco above the main entrance. I zoomed in for picture 3 to get a closer look at the dome.

We move inside in the next 4 pictures. There are lovely frescos inside the dome. The clock is a 24 hour clock on a painted background.

The church is built upon the foundation of an earlier cathedral (The Cathedral of Saint Reparata). Under the church we were able to see where they have excavated some of the foundation. They have found sarcophagus - picture 7. Picture 8 gives you a feel of what the area looks like today. Picture 9 is the relics of an unknown saint.

The Baptistery is separate structure (picture 10). It is octagon shape with the same green and white marble on the outside. The massive doors were created by three different artist. But the true treasure is found inside. It absolutely took my breath away. When first walking in, it appears as a lovely chapel. But one only needs to look up to see a wondrous site. The ceiling is covered with a gold mosaic. Pictures 11 and 12 are a sampling of the beautiful images.