Today all my classmates and I embarked on an exhilarating adventure. Nestled in the heart of Florence is the Duomo, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. The dome of the cathedral is one of the most iconic architectural pieces in Florence. With its elaborate Gothic architecture, the dome symbolizes Florence’s rich history and is a testament to human ingenuity and innovation. Filippo Brunelleschi designed it, and construction started in 1296 and lasted for centuries. It also holds great significance in the history of Florence, representing the city’s cultural, artistic, and architectural achievements.

Imagine standing at the base of this magnificent architectural masterpiece, gazing up at its towering heights, and feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation. Trepidation because we were about to embark on a climb that will transport you through time, unveiling the Duomo’s splendor with every single stair step. The stairway to the top is a portal gateway from the past, a stairway through history, showcasing the evolution of architectural styles and techniques. Each step is a chance to appreciate the craftsmanship of the artisans who dedicated their lives to this historic masterpiece.

As we ascended higher, the thrills only intensified. Climbing, the tunnel ways got tighter, and each stair steeper. Once we reached the rooftop, we all felt a triumph spirit. Our efforts were rewarded with unparalleled panoramic views of Florence. The cityscape unfolded beneath us, revealing a mesmerizing blend of ancient and modern architecture. It took a few moments to absorb the beauty and grandeur surrounding us.

As I stood atop this monumental structure, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment and reverence for the centuries of human endeavor that brought it to life. Climbing the dome of the Duomo is an unforgettable adventure that offers a unique perspective on history, architecture, and the city of Florence itself.

For my class at FUA, today we explored one of the oldest botanical gardens in Europe, The Giardino dell’ Orticoltura. Established in 1545 by the Medici family, the garden was created to cultivate medicinal plants for educational and scientific purposes. This garden and its research were crucial in developing botanical science during the Renaissance era. It also served as a hub for studying and cultivating various plant species, contributing to advancements in medicine, pharmacology, and botany. In addition, there have been acquisitions of rare plants from different parts of the world, transforming the garden into a remarkable collection of botanical diversity.

This Botanical Garden has long been an educational institution providing space for students, scholars, and botany enthusiasts to deepen their knowledge of plants and their usage. This garden has set a precedent for other botanical gardens across Europe. Within the park itself is a store that hosts a variety of soaps, body luxury items, and plant-based liqueurs for samples and purchase. It is absolutely breathtaking!! A must-see if you are in Florence.

As our time here in Florence is slipping away, we all can’t help but embrace our last few days together. We have become our little family and will forever embrace the beautiful memories we have created together.