Oh my Duomo!

Wow, I can’t believe I hiked up 463 steps today to the top of the Duomo. It was well worth it. The view from the top of the dome was utterly spectacular. You can literally see all of Florence. It was amazing to me how I could see the exact paths I take from above. Not only that, but it allowed me to see how Florence was in a valley surrounded by mountains. It put all that everyone has been talking about into real life. I also realized how no other building is taller than the dome; you really can see that even the Piazza del Vecchio is not as tall as the dome.

My favorite part of this experience was definitely hiking through the small corridors. It is crazy to me how the architect uniquely placed the bricks in an open book sort of way. Not only that, but how the design of the dome had an inner and outer dome.

I did notice though a lot of writing on the walls of the Duomo and the marble at the top. This was very surprising to me. I was not expecting something so beautifully crafted, and something so beautiful to have written names and pictures all over it. For me, I just felt that was very disrespectful.

Overall, I think it was a great experience hiking up the 463 steps to the top of the Duomo. It allowed me to appreciate Florence even more than before. It also allowed me to see the beautiful artwork painted by Michelangelo. The artwork was very interesting. It was interesting to see how he depicted corruption as well as hell. I was taken back by some of the paintings; they were just not something I would see on a normal day. However, when they are all put together it makes a beautiful ceiling to gaze up at.

Phew I am exhausted! It's time for a nap!

The above view!

The view of the inside dome.