Florence Cathedral
The Firenze Duomo was fashioned at the hands of Arnolfo Cambio at the end of the 13th Century and is, without question, one of Florence's most identifiable tourist attractions. Upon Cambio's death in the early 14th century progress on the cathedral ground to a halt. It wasn't until some 30 years later that the Italian artist Giotto decided to work on the Duomo, he only managed to complete the bell-tower before his death in 1337. It was another 27 years when the old cathedral was taken down and a new one started. This some one-hundred years after the initial plans were drawn up.

Filippo Brunelleschi was commissioned to project manage the great dome (the Cupola) of the now infamous cathedral which was in fact constructed of two dome's, one can be seen in all its glory from the outside while another which can be explored from the interior of the cathedral. On the inner dome frescoes by Paolo Uccello the cupola. It was not until 1436, some one-hundred and thiry-six years after the project was started that the cathedral was finally completed.

Giotto's Bell-Tower Florence, Italy.
Giotto’s Belfry is an independent belfry that is located in the Piazza del Duomo of Florence, Tuscany. It is positioned adjacent to the Florence Cupola and is one of the most striking examples of Florentine Gothic Architecture from the noted designer Giotto. It is eighty-four point seven metres high and is supported by four buttresses on each corner.

Giotto never saw his Bell Tower completed, he worked on the project from 1334 until his death in 1337, unfortunately only seing the first floor finished. The fine stone used in the bell tower comes from Carrara (white), Prato (green) and Siena (red).

The most staggering view: Piazzale Michelanglo
Piazzale Michelangelo provides THE VIEW for tourists coming to Florence. It has it all, the Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio and the hills of Fiesole as a backdrop. The main plaza is approximately 100 metres squared, with the main section allocated for cars and coaches that park up to allow tourists to take in this uncommon view. In the balmy summer months the Square has a scattering of market kiosks and traders that sell an mixture of handbags and tourist souvenirs.

If it's a clear day in Florence you have to go to Piazzale Michelangelo because there is nothing quite like it, and it will leave on you a long-lasting impression. There's also a cafe in the Piazza from which you can take in the view while enjoying a Cappuccino or cocktail.

Needless to say that wherever tourism is popular during the evening you need to be especially open-eyed against pickpockets. You'll also find a greater number of market stalls springing up as well as local artists selling their works. The evening view is one for romantics, perched out on the steps looking down over the town, but it's really on a clear bright sunny day or towards the hours of sunset that the Piazza really glows.