Il Duomo

"Il Duomo", Florence, Italy (Click picture for larger view)

"Today in Florence all the air
Is soft with spring, with sunlight fair;
In the tall street gay folks are met;
Duomo and Tower gleam overhead,
Like jewels in the city set,
Fair-hued and many-faceted.
Against the old grey stones are piled
February violets, pale and sweet,
Whose scent of earth in woodland wild
Is wafted up and down the street.
The city's heart is glad ; my own
Sits lightly on its bosom's throne."
~ Amy Levy (1861 - 1889), "Alma Mater"

The prominent dome of Florence's famous Il Duomo can be seen from all areas of Florence. The massive octagonal cupola that dominates both the cathedral and the city was the creative achievement of Filippo Brunelleschi, master architect and sculptor. It is one of the world's greatest engineering feats spanning 140 feet.

Submission for PhotoFriday topic "famous". (end of post)