This massive structure is one of the most enduring symbols in all of Italy. Located in the appropriately named Piazza del Duomo and dedicated to Saint Mary of The Flower, the Duomo is the third largest cathedral in the world and de facto center of Florence, with its gigantic cupola visible from nearly every street in the city. Considered to be the architect Filippo Bruneschelli's masterpiece, the cathedral's giant cupola was constructed to express the bridging of Greek and Gothic architecture.
Inside, the Duomo cathedral is all marble floors and yawning aisles, shaped to appear like a gigantic cross laid onto the ground. The arches raise to over 75 feet in the air, and were constructed so that the basilica appeared bare and austere to assimilate the teachings of Girolamo Savonarola, a 15th century Florentine leader who preached against extravagance. Though most of the decor inside the Duomo cathedral in Florence Italy now rests in the museum across the square, there are still a few historically significant artistic endeavors located inside: The Donatello designed stained glass window depicting the coronation of the Virgin and the tomb of Antonio D'Orso can be found here, along with numerous other stained glass works from premier Italian artists of their time. The inner wall of the famous dome, with the surface area reaching about 3600 square meters, is exclusively devoted to a representation of the Last Judgment and took eleven years to complete. For one of the most spectacular views in all of Europe, visitors can climb the bell tower of the Duomo cathedral in Florence Italy and witness a glowing orange sunset.

It is at the center of Florence in so many ways...artistically, architecturally, socially, and spiritually.

The door to the Baptistry by Ghiberti is amazing, even with the copies of the panels that were put in place after the '66 flood damaged the originals. Those originals have been restored and can be seen at the museum behind the Duomo.

If you're up to it, climb to the top of Brunelleschi's dome for the best view of the city and surrounding countryside. It's not for the weak of foot or the claustrophobic...or anyone challenged by heights. But it's magnificent! (www.duomofirenze.it/index-eng.htm)

Quite an ornamental facade -- perhaps a little garish for my taste -- but this is, after all, Italy! The dome of the cathedral, or duomo, is the greatest landmark in Florence. You cannot miss it, as it is visible from the moment you leave the station. It dominates the city skyline.

The dome, built by Brunelleschi, was the largest dome of its time built without a scaffolding. There are 463 steps to the top (I didn't actually count them, but that is the number mentioned!), and the climb provides the opportunity to see how the inner shell provides a platform for the timbers that support the outer shell.

The remains of a 4th-century church demolished in 1296 can be seen in the crypt. The baptistry is also thought to date from the 4th century.

This is another church that really does reward the visitor. I know there are other things to see in Italy besides churches, but this one is also worth a visit.

The remarkable Duomo is the fourth largest cathedral in the world and it took almost two centuries to build. You cannot miss it cause it is right in the middle of the city centre and an amazing building.

It has beautiful pink, white and green marble and you can climb up the campanile and the cupola del duomo. From here you have a great view over the city.

It´s Florence's most famous and I think most beautiful historical monument, although in my opinion its interior left spare, almost barren but in return its outside is so much the better.

Easily Florence's most visible sight, the Duomo is truly stunning. You just can't miss it. You'll probably walk around it several times while you're in Florence. It completely dominates the piazza.
Inside, the church is rather spartan in contrast to its extravagant exterior. It's as if all the money was spent on the outside and they ran out when it came to the inside.
Make sure to check out the gift shop in the basement when you're there. It's one of the most well-stocked I've ever seen.