A simple walk into town took us straight to the Ponte Vecchio. First things first #Clewleystopsforcoffee and then onto Piazza del Duomo.  The first stone of the Cathedral, as we see it today, was laid in 1296 and the building was complete 170 years later. The exterior work is stunning and not matched inside, which is quite plain when compared with some other cathedrals around the world.  

We bought a 10 Euro ticket each which gave us access to the top of the dome (access to the main cathedral is free).  This same ticket also gave us access to Giotto’s Bell tower and The Baptistery of San Giovanni. The climb to the Cupola and to the top of the Duomo was 460 steps with only 320 to the top of the Bell Tower. The passage ways can be narrow and I didn’t envy the guy I passed at the bottom of the tower who had 4 cycle helmets strapped to his rucsac and was upward bound.  At some points I had been flat against the wall while someone travelling in the opposite direction was likewise as ours backs made friends.

 

Both the Duomo and the post lunch trip to the Bell tower offered great spots for photos across the city