The rain has stopped! We spent a couple of hours visiting the cathedral (Duomo), the baptistery (that's they way they spell it here) and the Duomo museum. Begun in 1296 the entire cathedral complex was not completed until 1436 when the final gold ball and cross on the enormous dome was added. The rest of the day was free for museum visits, climbing up to the top of the dome (only Marybeth!) and watching a parade through the streets to the Duomo in celebration of one of the city's patron saints, St. Reparata. The colorful Renaissance costumes and the drums and horns made for a very festive event. Another good day in Florence! More later . . .
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