Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the roof itself, allowing artisans to build from the ground up without needing a wooden support frame. Over
four million bricks were used, laid in consecutive rings in horizontal courses using a vertical herringbone pat-
tern.
The balustrade at the base of the dome offers aerial views of the octagonal
coro
(choir) below, and seven
round, stained-glass windows (by Donatello, Andrea del Castagno, Paolo Uccello and Lorenzo Ghiberti) pierce
the octagonal drum.
The final leg - a straight, hazardous flight up the curve of the inner dome offering occasional snapshots of
Florence through small windows - rewards with an unforgettable 360-degree panorama.
Michelangelo's La Pietà
Just off the museum's stair landing is this wonderful piece, sculpted when Michelangelo
was almost 80 (he intended it for his own tomb). Dissatisfied with both the quality of the
marble and his work, the great man broke up the unfinished sculpture. It was later re-
stored and completed by one of his students.
Top Tips
›
Dress code is strict: no shorts or sleeveless tops.
›
Visit early in the morning to escape the crowds and avoid queuing in the sun.
›
Tickets are valid for 24 hours (one visit to each sight) and can be purchased online at
ht-
tp://museumflorence.com
or in person at the
campanile,
museum or Centro Arte e Cultura at Piazza San Gio-
vanni 7.
›
The most precious treasures from the buildings of the
duomo
group are stashed in the Grande Museo del
Duomo (
Click here
)
, an essential stop for all art lovers.
Take a Break
›
Enjoy lunch, dinner or a post-
duomo aperitivo
at Coquinarius (
Click here
)
, a welcoming wine bar in nearby
Via delle Oche. Or hit Tic Toc (
Click here
)
, two doors down, for burgers Florentine-style.
›
Head to Grom (
Click here
) for some of the creamiest gelato in town.
