The Dome
The dome of the cathedral has a diameter of 45 m (147 feet) and is an impressive 107 m (351 ft) high. The architect had to design special machinery, including cranes and hoists, in order to complete his vision. The interior of the dome is decorated with an elaborate fresco by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari, which was restored in 1994. In order to reach the dome, you’ll need to climb 463 steps in a narrow staircase, but you’ll be rewarded with an incredible view from the top.Inside the Duomo
Construction began in 1296 but the work on the structure was only finished in 1436 with the completion of the Dome, and the final touches were only added to the outside in 1887, nearly 600 years after the first stone was laid. The interior of the cathedral is lavishly decorated with frescoes and the largest stained glass windows created in Italy during this timeframe, including one designed by Donatello. The cathedral is the last resting place of two popes: Pope Nicholas II and Stephen IX, and you can visit both of their tombs.Campanile di Giotto
The bell tower was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio and Giotto di Bondone has 414 steps, that take visitors approximately 85 m (278 ft) up to the top. Once you’ve made the climb, you’ll be treated to an incredible view of Florence, plus you’ll be close to the colorful marble statues and reliefs that decorate the tower’s façade.The Baptistery
The Baptistry of San Giovanni was built in several phases, with medieval Florentines believing that it was a Roman (pagan) temple that had been converted into a church. The present Baptistery was extended from the original building, which was built in the 4th or 5th Century and was decorated with mosaics in the 13th Century. The Baptistery’s purpose was to baptize infants and converts, as only baptized Christians could enter the Cathedral. The modern church no longer applies this restriction, but you’ll notice that many churches still keep their fonts at the entrance so that baptisms can be performed as soon as the soon-to-be-baptized person crosses the threshold, and in Italy, some larger churches and cathedrals still have these separate buildings for their fonts.Museo dell’Opera del Duomo
In this museum, which can be found behind the main cathedral building, you can find several exhibits from the church’s long history. Highlights include a replica of the original façade which was demolished in 1587, Michelangelo’s unfinished Pietà, and Donatello’s wooden sculpture of penitent Mary Magdalene.