Florence Cathedral

The Duomo is the monument that defines Florence's skyline. Its huge dome was a breakthrough of Renaissance engineering, built without a wooden frame. You can climb it for a close look at the frescoes and a high view of the city. Next to it stand the bell tower and the baptistery with its famous bronze doors.

Talking points

• The dome was an engineering marvel of the early Renaissance.
• A narrow staircase leads between the dome's two shells.
• The campanile and baptistery are part of the same complex.
• The cathedral is covered in green, white and pink marble.