Firenze's Duomo
The Firenze Duomo was architecturally planned by Arnolfo Cambio at the close of the thirteenth Century and is, without doubt, one of Tuscany's most distinctive tourist magnets. When Cambio died in 1302 progress on the masterpiece came to a halt. It was not until some thirty years later that the Italian artist Giotto agreed to work on the Duomo, he only managed to complete the bell-tower before his death in 1337. It was further 27 years when the old cathedral was taken down and a new one started. This some one-hundred years after the initial plans were drawn up.
Filippo Brunelleschi was commissioned to project manage the great dome (the Cupola) of the now infamous cathedral which was in fact made up of of two dome's, one dome can be seen in all its glory from the outside and another which can be viewed from the interior of the cathedral. On the inner dome frescoes by Paolo Uccello adorn the cupola. It was not until 1436, some one-hundred and thiry-six years after the project was started that the cathedral was finally completed.
Giotto's Belfry Florence, Italia.
Giotto’s Campanile is an single-standing bell tower that can be found in the Piazza del Duomo of Florence, Tuscany. It is set right next to the Florence Dome and is one of the purest examples of Florentine Gothic Architecture from the noted craftsman Giotto. It is eighty-four point seven metres high and is supported by four buttresses on each corner.
Giotto never saw the Bell Tower completed, he worked on the project from 1334 until his death in 1337, thus only seing the first floor finished. The stone used in the bell tower comes from Carrara (white), Prato (green) and Siena (red).
The best view: Piazzale Michelanglo
Piazzale Michelangelo provides THE VIEW for tourists coming to Florence. It has it all, the Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio and the hills of Fiesole as a backdrop. The main piazza is approximately 100 metres squared, with the main portion used for cars and buses that park up allowing visitors to take in this fantastic view. In the hotter months the Plaza has a peppering of market booths and dealers that sell an range of purses and keepsakes.
If it's a clear day in Florence you have to go to Piazzale Michelangelo because there is nothing quite like it, and it will leave a lasting impression. There's also a cafe in the Piazza from which you can take in the view while enjoying a Coffee Cappuccino or cocktail.
Needless to say that wherever tourism is popular during the evening you need to be especially watchful against thieves. You'll also find a greater number of market stalls springing up as well as local artists selling their works. The evening view is one for happy couples, perched out on the steps gazing down over the town, but it's really on a clear sunny day or towards the hours of sunset that the Piazza shines.
Author Resource:-
You can read more about Vacations in Tuscany on our dedicated resource pages.
J. Mogg is a travel blogger for Tuscany Villas, a portal all about the Tuscan life.
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