Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (Florence Cathedral), Florence (must see)

Towering over the city of Florence, the Florence Cathedral is a true Renaissance masterpiece—best known for its massive masonry dome, the largest of its kind in the world. Completed in 1465, this remarkable double-shell structure is entirely self-supporting and remains one of the greatest engineering marvels of its time.

The cathedral’s story begins in 1296, when construction of its Gothic design first got underway. The real breakthrough, however, came nearly 150 years later, when architect Filippo Brunelleschi stepped in to solve what many thought was an impossible challenge—building the dome. Inspired by the ancient Pantheon in Rome, Brunelleschi ran countless experiments using large-scale models and even invented custom machinery to get the job done.

Among his most remarkable inventions were lifting devices and pulley systems capable of raising over 37,000 tons of materials—including more than four million bricks. His work impressed a young apprentice named Leonardo da Vinci, who sketched the machines—drawings that were later mistakenly credited to him. But history has remembered the true innovator. Today, Brunelleschi’s statue stands in the piazza outside the Cathedral as a tribute to his genius.

Step inside, and you’ll find more treasures—like the fresco “Dante and the Divine Comedy” by Domenico di Michelino, painted in 1465. It shows the poet holding his famous book, surrounded by vivid imagery of Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven, along with a detailed view of Florence as it looked in the 15th century—ironically, a version of the city Dante himself never saw. To see it up close, be prepared to climb about 450 steps up a narrow staircase that spirals inside the dome.

And then there's the exterior—a stunning patchwork of colorful marbles so intricate it almost looks painted. The craftsmanship is nothing short of extraordinary.

Tip: When booking online, you’ll get free access to the top of the dome—but you’ll need to reserve a time slot separately. The reward is a 360-degree view of Florence, the Tuscan countryside, and the mountains beyond. Totally worth the climb.