Il Duomo
Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as Il Duomo, is the third largest church in the Christian world. It was built in the Middle Ages in Gothic style. Construction started in 1296 and by 1418 the Cathedral was finished but it did not have a roof. A problem developed, no one knew how to do it. The church officials offered a cash reward in a contest to see if anyone had an idea of how to finish the roof. Filippo Brunelleschi was able to build the cupula by designing one dome inside of another. He spent 16 years supervising the construction. Il Duomo is a beautiful structure that has survived both time and nature.
The Ponte Vecchio and the MediciWith our umbrellas extended, we took advantage of our time to walk out to the Ponte Vecchio, constructed in 1340. It crosses the Arno River. Here at the bridge, you can buy the best gold and silver at a fair price. The gold and silversmiths have been here since the 16th century. |
The Medici family played a vital role in the development of Florence and held many powerful positions. The upper walkway of the Ponte Vecchio was constructed for the Medici family’s use only, because they did not want to mix with the commoners. The corridor extended from their home, the Pitti Palace, to the offices in the Uffizi.
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