Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence

I love it. Unlike any place. Florence is a beautiful city and this is the center of all the beauty.

I was dragged with my parents who forced me to climb it. I am claustrophobic and afraid extremely of heights which is a bad combination for this trip. On the way up the stairs i had numerous panic attacks because of the closed spaces and i couldn't look out the window because it reminded me of how high up we where (also its a spiral staircase so it feels like you're going in a never ending circle). When you get close to the top you have to walk on a plexiglass floor - you have to there is no way around it. the problem is that this floor is very high above towards the top of the dome. It made me face my fears and the view is incredible but I wouldn't recommend it to people who are claustrophobic and afraid of heights.

I climbed all the way to the top of the Duomo. Let me just say it was definitely a workout but it was worth it for the view. It is the highest point in Florence, I believe, so you can see everything. I went during Twilight and it was beautiful. The climb down was definitely easier as well. If you visit, you MUST climb to the top or else why go?!

Whoa, they arent kidding about 463 steps - only thing they don't mentions is they are stone, tight, dark steps. I couldn't handle it, I took about 20 steps and realized my claustrophobia was going to overpower me. My fiancee continued on *with* the video camera. It definitely got more narrow and I was happy I didn't go. The view was spectacular and well worth the climb. I wish I could have done it but seriously - expect the narrowness and if it's hot - it will be worse! We did buy two watercolor paintings from a street vendor. They were exquisite and we got two small paintings for 15 Euro!

I did not climb the dome, so I can't give a true comparison, but by climbing the tower instead I got two great benefits: - No line for the tower - Fabulous views of Florence that include the Duomo! From the dome itself I think the views would be much less interesting as you can't look at the dome. There are several stops with views along the way to the top of the tower, so I actually thought I was at the top several time. :-) Keep climbing until your outside on the roof! The only hard part of the climb is the narrow stairs above the bell.

I LOVE ALL OF IT TOP TO BOTTOM. IT'S A WALK THROUGH HISTORY AND IT'S A PHENOMENAL CHURCH. I ATTENDED MASSES THERE REGULARLY AS I WAS GROWING UP. I HAD THE PLEASURE OF LIVING IN FLORENCE FOR 13 YEARS AND I TRULY APPRECIATE THE EXPERIENCE AND I MISS IT. THE DUOMO STANDS OUT AS A CASTLE IN A FOREST AND IT HAS BEEN RESTORED, CLEANED UP AND OFFERS REFUGE TO MANY TOURISTS AS THEY ADMIRE ALL THE DETAILED ARTWORK AND ARCHITECTURE OF EACH PART OF THE BUILDING. TRULY AMAZING AND A MUST SEE!

The Santa Maria del Fiore (The Duomoa) was a this womans' dream come true. It was the most beautiful sight that has ever been bestowed upon my eyes. We walked up the stairs and they were to say the least, tiring, but it was totally worth it because the view of Firenze was totally breathtaking. The artwork in the Duomo is absolutely the most beautiful I have seen. The architecture and intriccate craftsmanship of the buildings is absolutely incredible. Photos can not even capture the delicate, ornate detail that is etched within the marble on the outside of the Duomo. We do plan on another trip to Italy again, but this time it will be a land tour, not a cruise, as on a cruise, your time is limited, for we want to be able to get in every ounce of Florence that we can, because it is one beautiful city and you absolutely can not miss out on it! There is nothing I did not like, the only thing I can say that was a little bit of a pain was the traffic and the way people drive, but that's everywhere you go!

THE SCENE IS UN BELIEVABLE, IT HAS THE APPEARANCE OF A 15TH CENTURY PAINTING.THINK OF THE PATIENCE IT TOOK TO BUILD SUCH AN EDIFICE.I RECOMMEND GOING IN SEPT.,THE CROWDS ARE DOWN AND THE WEATHER IS PERFECT.

The Duomo brings together all the magnificent things that Florence has to offer ; art, architecture, science and history. Standing in front of it looking up is surpassed only by standing at the top of the dome and looking down. The facade is vibrant with red, green and dazzling white marble, ornamented with larger than life sculptures. Upon entering the cathedral the mood changes to magnificent dignity and grandeur. Walk slowly up the center of the cathedral and look both up to the towering ceiling and down to the intricate floor patterns. Upon arriving at the alter the dome's artwork shows its luminance. Afterwards, climb the stairs to the top of the dome, for a wonderful insight into the construction of this landmark, and enjoy your reward of a spectacular view of all Florence. This city is the center of the western world's art and science, and this structure has been the center of the city for over half a millennium. Savour it.

This was my favorite place in Italy. The climb is difficult but the view is amazing. This was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen.