Bella Firenze!

From the crest of a grassy hill, Michelangelo could see Florence: a glittering mosaic of white, yellow, and orange buildings, divided by the snaking Arno River, and topped by the soaring terracotta dome of Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral. The tallest unbuttressed dome in the world, it seemed as though God himself were pulling the cupola up toward heaven. Florentines loved Il Duomo. Those who were gone too long often reported having such a desire to stand under the cupola again that they suffered severe fevers and hallucinations. After an interminable four years away, Michelangelo had such a longing to feel Il Duomo’s shadow on his face that his skin flushed and his heart thundered. The disease of the Dome was upon him.

Storey, Stephanie (2016-03-01). Oil and Marble: A Novel of Leonardo and Michelangelo (p. 35). Arcade Publishing. Kindle Edition.

Florence from San Miniato al Monte