Florence Cathedral - Santa Maria del Fiore
The Duomo of Florence, dedicated to Santa Maria del Fiore, dominates the city with its impressive dome built to symbolize superiorità over surrounding area. Even today no other building is higher than Brunelleschi’s masterpiece. Construction began in 1296 on a project by Arnolfo di Cambio and was later continued between 1349 and 1370 by Francesco Talenti. After many stoppages the work was finally completed in 1436, the year of its consecration by Pope Eugene IV. The Baptistery with its octagonal design is famous for its bronze doors and the mosaics on the vault depicting Biblical scenes. The Bell Tower, designed by Giotto in 1334, is 85 metres high but lower than the dome.
The imposing interior of the basilica is a harmonious combination of Gothic elements. At the time of its construction, Santa Maria del Fiore was the largest Church in Europe: 153 metres long, 90 metres wide, diameter of the dome 45,5 metres, 90 metres from the floor to the lantern. It was built with public funds, and in the lateral naves are civic monuments to the personages whio influenced the life of the city.
Some examples are the painting of Dante, the relief portraits of Giotto and Brunelleschi, the fresco of Niccolò da Tolentino by Andrea del Castagno and that of the captain of fortune, John Hawkwood, nicknamed Giovanni Acuto by Paolo Uccello.
Book a guided tour of the Duomo Complex including the Opera del Duomo Museum.
