The Duomo

— Florence‘s cathedral, also known as the Duomo, is one of the most important and iconic buildings in Italy. It is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, and its dome is one of the largest in the world. The cathedral is officially known as Santa Maria del Fiore, which means “Saint Mary of the Flower”. It is the fourth largest church in the world, after St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Seville Cathedral in Spain, and Milan Cathedral in Italy.

On our first visit to Italy, we got lodging not very far from the cathedral. Just about everywhere we went while in Florence, we would go by the square where the Duomo is located. That gave us ample time to explore the ins and outs of the gorgeous church.

The cathedral’s construction began in 1296 in the Gothic style and was completed in 1436. It was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio, and the dome was engineered by Filippo Brunelleschi. The exterior of the cathedral is faced with polychrome marble panels in various shades of green and pink, bordered by white. You can see that detail in the next photos here. The façade was not completed until the 19th century, and it displays an elaborate Gothic Revival façade by Emilio De Fabris.

The cathedral’s dome is one of the most famous architectural achievements of the Renaissance. It is the largest brick dome ever built, and its design was a major breakthrough in engineering. The dome is the most striking feature of the cathedral. It is an octagonal dome, and it is supported by a system of ribs and buttresses.

The cathedral complex, in Piazza del Duomo, includes the Baptistery and Giotto’s Campanile. These three buildings are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site covering the historic center of Florence and are a major tourist attraction of Tuscany.

The Duomo is a must-see destination for any visitor to Florence. It is a stunning example of Gothic architecture, and it is one of the most important religious buildings in Italy. It is estimated that over 15 million people visit it each year. A visitor can use stairs to go to the top of the tower and the dome for breathtaking views of Florence and the Tuscan countryside.