The 463 Step Challenge

Trip to Italy - Journal Entry #12b - September 24, 2009 - 8:42 am

Yesterday in Florence was adifferently paced day. We got up early enough to get to the Duomo (the central church) by 9:00 a.m. Chris and I planned to walk to the top of the dome -- 463 steps! [Dad waited for us in the Piazza below.] We

entered by a special door - just for those making the climb - and started up. The staircase was irregular and circuitous. At times we were walking in squared off sections; at other times we were in a spiral staircase; and at other times we were in short straight flights of stairs. Sometimes the steps were really shallow and steep. Most of the time, there were railings on the walls to help provide leverage and support. Thank you!

Amazingly enough, we made the climb relatively. There was a stopping point about two-third's of the way up where we found ourselves inside the domed ceiling above the altar! What a view. We were on a platform that extended about one-third the distance of the interior dome. We got

a great view of the four, large circular stained glass windows in the dome and the painting of the Last Judgment on the ceiling. It was wonderful. We got some great pictures.

And then we climbed the last leg to the very top. The stairs got steeper and narrower. Finally, we emerged at the outside platform at the very top of the dome. It was a hazy day but the views were still fabulous. We spent about 10 minutes walking the entire circumference and snapping photos. And then we headed down. On the trip down, our stopping point was a catwalk that was even higher up in the interior dome -- more photo op's! We didn't linger too long and kept climbing down. Remarkably,

the walk down felt longer than the walk up!

Chris and I also went into the first floor of the Church and looked up at the dome from below. This Church is relatively empty compared to some. There is a beautiful mosaic tiled floor and a few tombs, but there are no chapels like we have found in so many other churches.