Going to the top of the Duomo is one of the highlights of visiting Florence and definately something that you should do while you are relatively young. We are in our early 20's and were sweating by the time we got to the top. I would not recommend this climb for the elderly or anyone that is really out of shape.

Entry to gain access to the top of the Duomo is on the north side of the large cathedral, just look for the LONG line, you can't miss it. The line probably took about 45 minutes when we were there which didn't seem too bad. There are a ton of cafes surrounding the Duomo so one of us just left the line for 10 minutes and grabbed some waters and gelato for everybody and came back which made the time pass a little quicker. Might be best not to at high noon as the line is out in the sun so if you are there in the summer it probably makes more sense to try and get there in the morning or later afternoon. Be aware though that the line stops about an hour before they close as far as I remember.

The entry fee is 6 euros and grants you access up the STAIRS to the top of the dome. Having been built hundreds of years ago there is no electronic apparatus too take you to the top. The only way to get there is to walk and parts of the staircase are VERY narrow, VERY steep and can be a little dangerous. About halfway up you will walk around a little catwalk on the interior of the building that affords you a great view of the painted cupola from closeup as well as the vast open space below. After the catwalk is where the climb starts to get really tricky. It is particularly awkward in certain sections where people going up are trying to pass those going down and vice versa. In certain sections there are two separate paths but there are a number of parts where there is only one shared route.

Once you get to the top the view is incredible. You can see all of Florence and the surrounding hillsides of Tuscany in every direction. The observation deck can get pretty crowded but it is a great spot to take some pictures and just enjoy the sights for 10 or 15 minutes. Those who are not fond of heights may get a little uncomfortable up here. Both my friends that I was with started feeling a little uncomfortable after the first 5 minutes or so and just wanted to go back down but I was fine. This is definately something you should do in Florence even if you only have one day. It's the heart of the city and by far the most prominent building.

Milan's Duomo is, one would think, large enough to see from miles away. However, located in the middle of a large city with plenty of buildings, this massive structure does a good job of hiding from you as you approach it. One catches glimpses of spires, a slice of grandeur around corners and above rooftops. But it isn't until you reach the Piazza Duomo and step out into the sunlight that you really appreciate the size of this building.

The Duomo dominates a massive square, rising high above the city. Inside, the pillars are like redwoods, and the space goes on and on. But for the best understanding of the size and scale, you must go to the roof.

There are stairs to the top, but splurge a couple of euros more for the elevator - you'll want your energy once you get up there. Once out of the elevator, wind your way around, and climb as high as you can on the little staircases spread all over. Look out over the city, and marvel at the skill that went into building this. I had to think, standing there, that surely generations of stonecarvers each made their living creating the little identical rosettes. Each spire is topped with a statue of a different saint (or maybe a financial contributor?), culminating in a giant, golden Mary at the highest point: a symbol of the city.

I know it's a little cliché, but this was a walk near heaven. Something about the airy architecture, the saints surrounding you, being so high above the city... altogether an amazing experience. The next time you're in Milan, do yourself a favor and visit.