Today we have the honor of exploring the heart of the city with Monsignor Timothy Verdon, a Canon of the Cathedral, priest in the Duomo and the director of its magnificent museum. We would be hard-pressed to find anyone with a more impressive CV for the job in hand.  He will guide us through Florence’s imposing and awe-inspiring Duomo: the great Santa Maria del Fiore.

Designed by Arnolfo di Cambio in 1298, the Duomo is the third largest church in the world. Monsignor Verdon will grant us special access to the upper galleries of the nearby Baptistery and the Sacristy of the Duomo, known for its 15th-century marquetry. Thanks to Monsignor Verdon’s formidable expertise, we’ll learn everything there is to know about this extraordinary church. We will also have the chance to get a close look at the newly reopened Grande Museo del Duomo with his unique “director’s tour”, along with insights into its remarkable collection of great medieval and Renaissance statues and reliefs by Donatello, Michelangelo, Ghiberti, and many others.  The most adventurous might want to climb the 463 steps to the top of the cathedral dome for incredible views of the city.

The afternoon is at leisure – stroll around and discover the nooks and crannies of this beautiful city. If you’d like to visit the treasures in the Uffizi or the Galleria dell’Accademia (home to the David), let us know and we can secure timed tickets for you in advance.  Consider a lunch of Florentine street food—Tim can show you his favorite stop for Florence’s famous grilled panini wrapped up to go. 

VILLA CORA (B)