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Florence Cathedral - Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

Florence Cathedral is also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore: a masterpiece of Italian architecture.

The Duomo is one of Italy's most iconic monuments and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.

Its red brick dome, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, is the largest masonry dome ever built and dominates the city skyline.

What see:

• Brunelleschi's dome: it is possible to climb the dome and enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.
• Giotto's Bell Tower: an 85 meter high bell tower with a splendid view of the city.
• The Baptistery of San Giovanni: a Romanesque baptistery with bronze doors by Lorenzo Ghiberti.
• The Museo dell'Opera del Duomo: houses a vast collection of sculptures, paintings and art objects from the Duomo and the Baptistery.

The origins and the initial project

The origins of the Florence Cathedral date back to the 13th century, when the ancient cathedral of Santa Reparata was deemed inadequate for the growing needs of the city. In 1296, the Municipality of Florence announced a competition for the design of a new cathedral that would be more grandiose and solemn. Among the numerous projects presented, the one by Arnolfo di Cambio, a Florentine sculptor and architect, won.

Arnolfo di Cambio and the construction of the cathedral

Arnolfo di Cambio set up an ambitious project, with a plan with three naves and a dome of extraordinary dimensions. Construction began in 1296 and proceeded with mixed success for over a century. Arnolfo di Cambio died in 1302, leaving the work to various successors, including Giotto and Andrea Orcagna.

The challenge of the dome and Brunelleschi's ingenuity

In 1418, at the end of the construction of the central nave, the great challenge of building the dome arose. The vastness of the surface and the absence of previous architectural models of similar dimensions made its construction an extremely complex undertaking. After years of debates and fruitless attempts, in 1420 the project of Filippo Brunelleschi was finally chosen, who devised an innovative construction technique without the need for ribs.

Brunelleschi's dome: a masterpiece of engineering and architecture

The construction of Brunelleschi's dome began in 1420 and lasted for 16 years. It was a revolutionary engineering work, which allowed the creation of a dome of dimensions never seen before (about 55 meters in diameter) without the aid of wooden reinforcements. Brunelleschi's dome was completed in 1436 and soon became the symbol of Florence and an undisputed masterpiece of Renaissance architecture.

Completion of the cathedral and subsequent interventions

After the construction of the dome, the construction of the cathedral continued with the lantern and the facade. The façade, in neo-Gothic style, was completed only in the 19th century, with the addition of the marble cladding. Over the centuries, the Cathedral of Florence has undergone numerous restoration and consolidation interventions, made necessary by the damage suffered due to earthquakes and other natural events.

The Cathedral of Florence today: a symbol of the city and a priceless treasure

Today, the Florence Cathedral is one of the most visited monuments in Italy and an internationally recognized icon. Its imposing dome dominates the city skyline and represents a symbol of its history, its culture and its artistic genius. The cathedral is a truly priceless treasure, which houses works of art of immense value, including frescoes, sculptures and stained glass windows.

Map: Florence Cathedral - Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore