The Duomo
September 13th 2007 11:42
That story stayed with me, not only because I could see that man in the middle of that pond, all alone but because I understood him too. In the situations of gravest doubt, we want to stay in our boats and just wait it out and sometimes that’s ok. Sometimes that’s best in fact. But sometimes life calls us to be braver than that. Sometimes life prods us to rise and take a nervous step outside of that boat and test the ice.
And that’s what the brave traveller understands…that of all the times we could stay in that boat, the most exciting, most cherished moments are created when we move and do something, when we stand up in the dark and take it on.
The Duomo is huge. It’s a colossal cathedral that represents everything of the Gothic period. It’s all there – the dirtied white marble, the sharp pinnacles that look as if they are spiking the air, belfries and statues…more than you can point a stick at. It’s overwhelming and the closer you get to it, the more overwhelming is the sight of it. When I went to see it, I had planned on spending an hour or so there. I ended up spending the entire day at the Duomo. It grabbed me and I couldn’t tear myself away from its duality. The ornate exterior and its almost dull, severe interior offer an interesting contrast. I wonder about the man or men who designed this building. What were they thinking?
And that’s what the brave traveller understands…that of all the times we could stay in that boat, the most exciting, most cherished moments are created when we move and do something, when we stand up in the dark and take it on.
The Duomo is huge. It’s a colossal cathedral that represents everything of the Gothic period. It’s all there – the dirtied white marble, the sharp pinnacles that look as if they are spiking the air, belfries and statues…more than you can point a stick at. It’s overwhelming and the closer you get to it, the more overwhelming is the sight of it. When I went to see it, I had planned on spending an hour or so there. I ended up spending the entire day at the Duomo. It grabbed me and I couldn’t tear myself away from its duality. The ornate exterior and its almost dull, severe interior offer an interesting contrast. I wonder about the man or men who designed this building. What were they thinking?
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Comment by Ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
I have to agree with you I was completely taken aback by this Cathedral. I only had one day to roam the city and was actually looking for the statue of David when I stumbled across this beauty.
It was very early in the morning so not many people were around, the little side alleys that surround it only just stirring as the shops began to open.
To stand and look at this building I admit I felt the same feelings as you - you have to wonder about the people who built it, the intricate work of the exterior.... just an amazing place and one I would highly recommend to fellow travellers.
Ash