One of the most famous landmarks of Florence. This immense Cathedral took almost 150 years to complete. The large dome, designed by Brunelleschi, was one of the greatest engineering feats of its day, and symbolizes Florence at its greatest. Described by Ruskin as a ‘Chinese puzzle’, the lavish pink, white and green marble frontage belies a cavernous interior that is surprisingly free from decoration. Once inside, most people look heavenward – pausing to admire frescoes and stained-glass windows by some of the Renaissance-era's best: Vasari, Zuccari, Donatello, Uccello and Ghiberti – before climbing the 463 steps for a spectacular view over the city.

Tall, slender and straight-backed bell tower, built according to Giotto’s designs, in 1334, and completed after its creator’s death, by Andrea Pisano and Francesco Talenti. The tower is decorated with two garlands of bas-reliefs, strung around its rose-tinted facade. Higher up, sculptures of the Prophets and Sybils, carved by Donatello, look down upon the city below. Visitors can climb the Campanile, for the rewarding views over the piazza, which afford a closer inspection of the Duomo and Brunelleschi’s rusty crown.

Houses some of the finest examples of Renaissance sculpture found anywhere in the world. A major attractions are an unfinished ‘Pieta’, by Michelangelo, restored panels of Ghiberti's ‘Gates of Paradise’ and marble choirs (cantorie) of Donatello and Luca della Robbia, facing each other.

Named after the city's patron saint, Giovanni (John the Baptist), the octagonal baptistry dates from the 11th and 12th centuries. A wonderful example of Italian Romanesque-style architecture, but it is the Baptistry's great bronze doors for which this building is justly famous. The gilt-covered panels (representing scenes from the New Testament, including the Annunciation, the Adoration, and Christ debating the elders in the temple) make up a flowing, rhythmic narration in bronze.