the Duomo

The Duomo is one of the first things you see when you get to Florence because it is HUGE, pictures do not do it justice. I mean the thing is magnificent! Before I came to Florence, before I even knew I was going to study abroad in Italy, my Italian teacher showed us pictures and honestly I was not impressed. I can tell you now though, it's amazing. Whenever I walk by it I feel like a tourist all over again because I am simply in awe with the architecture, the design...everything!

Also, all roads lead to the Duomo. I swear if you look down half of the streets, you will see a glimse of the thing. This is a really good thing because let's just say, I get lost.... a lot and because I don't really like maps, I usually find my way by familiar landmarks (meaning I can't give directions because I don't know street names). So if I get lost in Florence I just find my way to the Duomo and then I know I can find my way home.

Every year on September 9th, the anniversary of the day the first stone was laid, the Duomo allows visitors to climb up to the top. This was an amazing experience because you can see the entire city. Here are a few favorites below...again, compared to seeing it in person (which I highly recommend), these pictures are nothing.