There is a narrow balcony about 1/2 way up (on the inside of the dome) that you can walk around. This is looking back towards the main doors of the church. I'm about over the alter.
It gave me a great view of the dome and it's frescoes. I chose this picture because you can see a crack. More about that later...
My first set of (the never ending) stairs. This dome is actually a dome within a dome and you climb up between them. Notice the slight slope or curvature at the right?
At this stage traffic is going both ways, making it tricky to climb.
Towards the top, you can see the bricks of the outer dome. They are arranged in a pattern called 'spina di peche', or what we call herringbone.
Once you pop out at the top, the view is simply breathtaking!
From this high, you can really see how huge the Pitti Palace is. I believe we visit there next week.
The curve of the dome is enough that you can't see it's base.
Zooming in, you can see that there are just a few scooters down there!
Looking down, at the tiles.
Plant life and moss!
A couple pictures of where I was yesterday.
This is how the dome looks from the bell tower.
I was amazed at the amount of material (mostly marble) that was brought up here. Brunelleschi also figured out how to do this.
There are 8 each of these decorative supports.
The craftsmanship is amazing.
Time to head back down.
Really? More stairs?
These made me dizzy...
Notice the lack of hand rails!
Remember the crack from earlier? It made me a bit nervous and I wanted to get a better shot on the way down. There is a crack, but it looks much worse from a distance. Just some of the plaster/fresco has fallen.
About half way down, I spotted this work area. I understand that the workman lived in the dome while it was under construction, in order to save time getting to/from work.
Back on terre firma, I'm off to the museum.
The original Baptistery doors by Ghiberti (known as the Gates of Paradise) are on display here. This is just temporary, until a permanent (and larger) display area is finished.
A few closeups. Can you spot Ghiberti's signature?
Michelangelo actually worked in this building. This is one of his Pietas. He also carved the 'David' here.
A bust of Brunelleschi is here in the museum.
How are your skills with Roman numerals?
Heading home. Hey, it must be Prima Vera (Spring).
Tempting!!!
Hey pops! It looks like you are having fun. Miss you and hope your studies are goin well and you are not spending to much time wondering the city! Love you! Amanda
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