Set in the very heart of Florence is Santa Maria del Fiore the Duomo which stands in a prominent position and overpowers the buildings around it with its grand architecture and sheer size. 

The Duomo holds up to 20,000 people and stands alongside the Campanile designed by the city architect Giotto in 1334 which stands at 267ft in height is 6ft shorter than the dome on the cathedral. The Duomo is still the tallest building in Florence. Opposite the main entrance to the Duomo stands the Baptistry a huge octagonal shaped building dating back to the 4th century and probably one of Florence’s oldest buildings. The whole area around the Duomo has been pedestrianised so is free from road traffic, though it is a very busy and vibrant area with lots of sightseers.