If you are unable to get a good look at Ghiberti’s Gates Of Paradise due to the ever-present crush of tourists, you can see the original panels – and not the 20th century copies that now take their place – in the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo. The Museo is located on the eastern flank of the Piazza del Duomo and is housed in the very building where Michelangelo carved his famous ‘David’. Of that artist’s work, here you can see his ‘Pieta’. This is a sculpted group of figures, centred on the body of Christ brought down from the cross and his mother’s grief. Michelangelo found fault with it obviously, and he attacked it in an artistic tantrum. Jesus’ leg is still missing, although a later sculptor repaired most of the damage and added a shiny Mary Magdalene in total contrast to the rough and unfinished faces of JC and the Virgin Mary. The fourth figure, Nicodemus, was completed by Michelangelo – mainly because the aging artist designed it as a self-portrait for his own tomb.

If Michelangelo’s self-depiction is that of a wise bearded old man, Donatello’s is ghastly. His ‘Habakkuk’ is gaunt, with a drawn skull-like head. His carved wooden ‘Mary Magdalene’ is equally horrific – a bereft, shell-shocked figure clad but in rags and tatters. It is a study in uncomprehending loss. Yet he can display his lighter side. He and Lucca Della Robbia were tasked to create two choir lofts. Della Robbia stuck to the brief, and his choir loft has musical scenes. Donatello’s instead features a riot of cherubs on a ‘last day of school’ spree. Sorry Don, but here I prefer Rob’s.

But as I mentioned, the chief attractions are six of the original eight brazen panels from the Baptistery’s Gates of Paradise. These are great works whose shallow reliefs give the impression of incredible depth – perspective was actually a relatively new phenomenon in art of that time.

The entrance fee is €6.00 and it is open 9.30 until 7.30. Notably it is open a lot later than most other attractions in Florence, which all seem to shut up shop by 5.30 or 6. Yet even at this time I did not find it busy at all. A visit is in no way essential; it is however very interesting, and you do get to see some spectaular works.

This stunning church has a long and rich history. It sits in the heart of Florence. The Duomo was designed by renowned Renaissance architect Brunelleschi. The exterior of the church is covered in beautiful white and pastel colours, making it one of the most recognizable churches in the world. Parts of the church is undergoing renovations to prevent further deterioration and decay and you will often find grey stains on certain parts due to pollution. The Duomo is made up of several parts: the Cathedral, the Dome, the Bell Tower, the Archaeological Site, the Baptistery, the Museum, and the Church of San Benedetto. This is a wonderful way to spend a morning or afternoon in Florence although it may not be easy on your pockets. However, if you're interested in history, art or architecture, it's definitely well worth it.

The cathedral is open from 10am to 5pm on Monday-Wednesday and Fridays. It is closed 1 hour earlier on Thursdays and Saturdays. On Sundays and holidays, it is only open from 1pm to 4:45pm. The cathedral is free of charge.

If you're not afraid of heights, climbing up the dome is a fantastic experience. It costs €6 and is open daily from 8:30am to 7pm although on Saturdays, it is closed earlier as well as on holidays. Once you've tackled the dome, try to see if you can attempt climbing over 400 stairs up Giotto's Bell Tower (€6)!

I particularly enjoyed the Baptistery of San Giovanni (€3) because of the beautiful doors and rich details. It is open daily from 12pm to 7pm with early closing hours on Sundays.

While the Duomo is just as crowded as the Uffizi Gallery, the best time to go is late in the day when the crowds have disappeared for the most part. Moderate clothing is required for women are not to expose bare shoulders and knees and men must be in proper attire.

We start our last day in Florence at the Opera del Duomo Museum. This museum, originally a storage area for materials and objects intended for the cathedral, was founded in 1891, and is one of the most delightful, entertaining, and educational museums in Florence and one of its best-kept secrets. Prior to 2000, it was pretty much just a dusty old museum, but it was completely rearranged and refurbished from 1998 to 2000. Its prior reputation may be why the museum is seldom overcrowded, except for the occasional tour group.

It contains a good collection of Italian sculptures and a large number of works taken from the Duomo, the Baptistery, and the bell tower in order to save them from pollution. For instance, it has the restored original panels of Ghiberti's Baptistry door.

The museum also contains the finger of John the Baptist, and if you believe that, I have a number of fingers of historical figures I'd like to offer for sale. In addition, there are numerous exhibits devoted to the tools and equipment used to build the Duomo Dome, including some of the original block and tackle pieces, along with architectural drawings and other historically fascinating artifacts.

Among many other masterpieces is the "Pieta" by Michelangelo, one of his last works, believed by many to be destined for his own tomb in Rome. There is much sculpture to see, including Donatello's carving of the suffering Mary Magdalene, a late work in polychrome wood, emaciated and dripping with penitence, a statue people either love or hate. I love it

Half of one floor of the museum houses statues of the Prophets carved for the bell tower, many by Donatello. Mounted on the walls above are choir lofts, one by Luca Della Robbia and one by Donatello. Nearby, along one of the corridors, we see some of the machines used to build the cathedral dome as well as its architect Brunelleschi's death mask. A small room contains wooden model proposals for the facade. The original Gothic facade was destroyed in 1587 and wasn’t replaced until the 18th century.

One of the pieces that really grab our attention is the Altar of San Giovanni, which was intended for the Baptistery interior: composed of 400 kilos of silver, it took 114 years to complete and cost 40,000 gold florins. Compare that with the 4,000 Florins Ghiberti was paid for his 17-year work on the Baptistry door panels. In the same room we find illuminated manuscripts, goldsmiths’ work, liturgical vestments, and illuminated choir books.

My deepest impression comes from the realization that thousands of people: artists, craftsmen, laborers, clerics, and nobles spent hundreds of years creating something they hoped would have no equal anywhere. I’m not sure they succeeded; however, they did create something quite incredible.

Open 7 days a week. Pictures are allowed. The entry fee is reasonable at about 7€.

This is the museum of the Duomo. It houses works of art that were part of Florence's main cathedral.

The history behind the Duomo's construction is also presented with models and charts. It's all quite informative and a must for art history buffs.

The Museum of the Opera ("Works") of the Duomo, is across the street from the Duomo. This small museum offered many pleasures including a late Pieta by Michelangelo which was sculpted shortly before his death. The figure of Nicodemus which helps to support the Christ figure is said to be a self-portrait of the artist. (Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, Monday - Saturday 9-6:30)

Much of the cathedral artwork is now located here, including the original Ghiberti door panels, Donatello's Mary Magdalen and St. John and Michelangelo's Pieta. There are two rooms devoted to Brunelleschi and the Duomo's construction.