In the very heart of Old Florence stands a magnificent cathedral referred to as The Duomo. It was begun in 1296 in the Gothic style to a design of Arnolfo di Cambio. Its majestic Renaissance dome was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, a Gothic structure built on the site of the 7th century church of Santa Reparta. (You can still see the earlier church's remain in the crypt.)During my time in Florence the Duomo and the Arno River were my perpetual reference points. The cathedral is situated in the center of the city, surrounded on all sides by a plaza. Streets emanate in all directions from this touchstone location. The amount of detail here is simply mind-blowing.
If you decide to get a tour of the interior you may want to buy tickets in advance if you go during tourist season. The entrance line went halfway round the base of the Duomo, which is no small feat. All about you will also see clusters and parades of small tours led by various paid guides carrying little flags or emblems so that the members don't get lost. The bell tower (below) has a sign on its entrance suggesting that if you have a weak heart you may want to skip the climb to the top of this skyscraper.
The exterior of the basilica is faced with polychrome marble panels in various shades of green and pink, bordered by white, and has an elaborate 19th-century Gothic Revival façade by Emilio De Fabris. The construction of the cathedral was a long and complex process. It was originally intended to be a much larger building, but the plans were scaled back due to financial constraints.
The dome, which is the largest masonry dome in the world, was the most challenging part of the construction. Brunelleschi's design was revolutionary for its time, and it took him 14 years to complete. When consecrated in 1436, it quickly became one of the most important churches in Italy. It was a symbol of Florence's wealth and power, and it was also a center of religious and cultural life. The cathedral was home to many important works of art, including Michelangelo's Pietà, and it became a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists.
It's interesting to me how long some of these projects were "in the works." Construction was initiated in 1296. The cathedral was completed and consecrated in 1368 though the dome itself was not completed till 1468. Can you imagine starting a project that you knew you would never see completed, believing that your great grand-children would one day be there for its consecration? Can you imagine starting something today that would not be finished till 2195?
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