Florence

Using new 3D technology, Alexander Armstrong and Dr Michael Scott explore the hidden side of romantic Florence and uncover the birthplace of the Italian renaissance, historic home to the all-powerful Medici family.

With the help of historian Ross King and the scanning team, Alexander discovers the hidden secrets of Florence's cathedral. They learn that the great brick dome is comprised of two domes - an outer and inner shell bound together with rings of sandstone. The secrets of this piece of architectural genius are brought to life with stunning 3D scans.

Michael and Alexander next explore the Medici's fraught relationship with one of their employees, none other than Michelangelo. Michelangelo was like a member of the family and designed the Medici's mausoleum. But then he fell from favour when he supported a rebellion against his own masters. In 1975, it was discovered that Michelangelo chose an unlikely place to hide from the Medici's – a secret chamber below the mausoleum he'd created for them. Alexander and Michael use 3D models to recreate this sanctuary and to trace Michelangeo's secret escape route to a safe house nearby.

Alexander and Michael complete their Tuscan exploration with a visit to the world-famous Uffizi - including the Botticelli room. Michael takes Alexander along the Medici's private corridor running more than a kilometre through the city from the Uffizi to the Medici's stately residence on the south of the river. Again, utilising the cutting-edge technology, this secret space is recreated as an astonishing virtual reality experience revealing Florence as it's never been seen before.