Florence Duomo

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Duomo, dominates Florence with its red-tiled dome, completed by Filippo Brunelleschi in 1436 and still the largest brick dome ever built. Its marble façade of white, green and pink is matched by Giotto's bell tower and the octagonal Baptistery, whose gilded east doors, known as the Gates of Paradise, are copies of originals now kept in the cathedral museum.

Climbing the dome takes you up between its inner and outer shells to a terrace over the rooftops. Within a short walk are the Botticellis of the Uffizi Gallery, Michelangelo's David at the Accademia and the jewellers' shops on the Ponte Vecchio.

Climbs need a timed reservation and are not suitable for anyone uncomfortable on narrow stairways. End the day at Piazzale Michelangelo, across the river, for sunset over the city.