Begun in 1296 and finished in 1436 and officially known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, it famously has a striking red dome - designed by Filippo Brunelleschi - which dominates the city's skyline. Climb the Dome for stunning panoramic views of Florence; Giotto’s freestanding, 278-foot-tall Campanile (Bell Tower) has a slightly easier climb and equally breathtaking vistas. Also don´t miss the Romanesque 11th-century Batisttero di San Giovanni (Baptistery of St. John, in the foreground above), known for its massive, detailed bronze doors. And do book your tickets in advance to skip long lines. 

Read more in Tripatini contributor Maruf Hasan´s post 9 Musts in Florence for First-Timers.

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