Submitted by Sasha Byck on the 2017 winter session program in Italy sponsored by the Department of Linguistics and Cognitive Science and the Department of English…
One of the most amazing experiences that I have taken advantage of while in Italy is climbing to the top of the Duomo (the most well known church) in Florence. Climbing up 463 steps of ancient and winding staircases is not only an incredible work out, but guarantees a new outlook on the construction of such an incredible building. The inside of the Duomo is decorated with paintings and murals as well as stain glassed windows. When the Duomo was built, there was no heavy machinery and each marble and concrete slab was manually placed to form the beautiful structure that still remains today. The hike to the top is relatively narrow, creating a close environment for strangers of all different backgrounds to mingle and share the journey up together. This trek provided yet another reminder as to the trust and safety which Italy holds in comparison to America. There is something to be said that there is hardly any security for those who enter and wish to climb to the top to see the amazing view of all of Florence.