Missypie, I think you are probably ahead of most of the tourists going...

If you can climb that many flights of stairs in your office, you are doing awesome! Don't stop, but I wouldn't stress over this... there are too many other things to worry about :)

Funny thing about the tower in Siena. I counted only 400 steps going up. Since the sign said 500, I counted them going down and still came up with only 400!

Howard - I agree. I had been told here were 503, and I been counting them off as I climbed. I was pleasantly surprised to find I was at the top sooner than expected.

Last month climbing the dome at St Peter's I noticed another problem people had, in addition to the aforementioned claustrophobia and numerous steps. A number of people, including my 20-year-old niece, froze in panic at the early stage when climbers must go out on the narrow walkway on the inside of the base of the dome and proceed along it for about one-quarter the circumference before exiting to more stairs.

The walkway has a railing and reinforced high fencing, but visually one might feel unsupported from below. The climber can see the floor of the basilica more than 100 feet below. My niece almost couldn't continue and she was not alone. Another woman was frozen in fear, clutching the wall unable to move. Her small children had skipped ahead along the walkway unconcerned with the height, while her husband tried to encourage her--"God will be with you." My niece's comment was that she thought if she died here at least she'd go to heaven. We eventually saw the frozen woman at the top of the dome, so she finally did make a successful climb.

One of the things on myto-do list Rome that never got crossed off. Can't wait to go back and try!

Ellenem...That was me in the Florence Duomo! I was terrified at the interior of the dome! I'm not usually scared of heights, but that completely unnerverd me!

My wife and I first visited Rome as kids in 1971 while I was in the Army. We did not climb St Peter's at that time...mistake. In 1998 we were back. This time...and 27 years older...we went for it on a 100 degree day. We MADE it! Great experience and I remember all the way up as many people have explained. It was a hot day, but the photos were great...especially the grimace on my wife's face as we finally got to the top. Go for it!

Back in 1971 you could also go to the top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. (I think you can again now after the repairs). That was an adventure! That thing really leans! I have great shots from the top. On subsequent trips back it was under repair and closed for climbing.

The Venice tower is a piece of cake. I think that one has an elevator.

Going to be in Paris in a few months. May be time to do the Arc again.

My niece wasn't scared on other climbs. On top of towers she felt well supported and surrounded by the buildings, but on that walkways she felt totally unsupported and exposed.

Missypie

Keep up the exercise just cause its good for you! Its so worth the climb. I've been to the top of the Duomo and the view (and my pics) are great. On my last Europe trip, our rule was anything that goes up we go up and look, and we saw a lot of great stuff, and had a good appetite.

I hope your sneakers are broken in. Don't forget band-aids for any blisters!


Have fun

One can climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa again but unfortantly now one must have a reservation and a ticket to do so.

I don't climb towers..never ever, lol.

My dear daughter, back when one could climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa without any reservation or ticket did so and fell coming down (slippery marble steps). Thankfully she wasn't hurt. It didn't stop her from climbing other towers..but I can't handle the heights and the claustrophobia feeling I know I would get..because of everyone else on the stairways.

Missypie, your walking the fire stairs in your office building is fantastic, what wonderful excersize!

You can climb the campanile on Torcello in Venice, for IMHO the most breathtaking view across the lagoon to Venice. It's a combination of steps and ramps. Both the campanile in San Marco and on San Giorgio (better view) have lifts.

Another beautiful view in Venice...although you take an elevator...is from the top of the bell tower at San Giorgio Maggiore.

Duomo in Florence is steep, narrow and definately worth every step for the view and a close up of the statues. Take your time and enjoy!
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Back from Italy and just wanted to report back on this issue...the towers and domes were really no problem to climb. I can't think of a single one where you go all the way up without stopping. And it's not like the person in front of you is a trained athelete...most likely they are huffing and puffing and stopping to rest (unless the person is my 10 year old, who raced up and wondered what was keeping everybody else.)

Thanks to everyone for the encouragement!