A multitude of artists, including Arnolfo di Cambio and Filippo Brunelleschi, worked for 140 years - from 1296 to 1436 - to the construction of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Duomo of Florence.

A must-see for all of the tourists who visit the capital of Tucany, the Duomo stands in an area completely closed to motor vehicles.

One of the biggest churches in Europe, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore boasts two stunning records: its renowned cupola, the fruit of Brunelleschi`s talent, is the biggest masonry dome ever built; moreover, thanks to Vasari and Zuccari, it features the broadest frescoed surface in the world.

And if that is not enough, next to the cathedral Giotto`s bell tower (which is about 85 metres tall) commands the houses, palaces, historic residences and villas of Florence.

Close to the cathedral stands the Baptistery of San Giovanni, an octagonal building dating back to the 4th-5th centuries whose walls are decorated with superlative mosaics and whose three doors are embellished with wonderful panels by Andrea Pisano and Ghiberti.

So if you are planning your next holidays and you would like to admire Brunelleschi`s dome, Giotto`s bell tower and the baptistery from the balcony or the windows of your apartment in Florence, you had better look for a holiday house in the "Quartiere 1" (district 1), that is, Florence historic centre.

Last but not least: after having visited these three masterpieces, you should visit the Museo dell`opera del Duomo as well.