During Galeazzo Visconti's visit to Florence, Shelley gives an overview of the city, including the Cathedral (248). But she also notes that it was just beginning construction during the time of the novel's setting, and that it wouldn't be until its completion that it would become an icon of the city. Construction began on the cathedral in 1296 and finished in 1436 with Brunelleschi's construction of its dome. Shortly after this, they visit a tomb and Euthanasia has an almost gothic moment alone in the dark--albeit without the terror that characterizes that genre.