ITALY
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Florence is an extraordinary treasure trove infused with art and history.
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It stands at the city's heart as a symbol of Florence and the Renaissance culture.
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Taking over 130 years to complete, the cathedral is one of Europe's largest and most magnificent. And no matter how often I see it, I am still enthralled by this delicate marvel.
The cathedral's most striking feature is the red-tiled dome, which has defined the Florentine skyline for centuries.
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The Florentine Baptistry is an octagonal architecture dating back to the 11th century.
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The Romanesque building is made entirely of white marble, accentuated with several stripes and geometric patterns of forest green.
Inside, there are splendid mosaic artworks covering the entire vault.
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Behind the cathedral stands the Duomo Museum - a part of the majestic complex.
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It preserves hundreds of artistic treasures that used to stand inside the cathedral, the baptistry, and the bell tower.
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Home to 1500-odd masterpieces, it's one, if not, Italy's most prominent art gallery.
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It fully occupies a former administrative office constructed between 1560 and 1580 following the orders of Cosimo de' Medici, the Duke of Florence.
Centuries of art history are displayed within two floors of this vast U-shaped building.
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Constructed in 1444, it was the first official residence for the House of Medici.
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It features two fabulously decorated floors surrounding an elegant column-lined courtyard that stands out for its harmony and pleasing balance.
The palace's heart is the Chapel of the Magi with walls covered by astonishing frescoes.
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The chapels served as the final resting place for 49 members of the House of Medici.
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Seventy-eight years were the time to build this monumental mausoleum.
The most beautiful part is the octagonal burial chamber called the Chapel of Princes. It emulates the grandeur of the Florentine Baptistry.
The polychrome marble floor with elaborate geometric designs.
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