The most notable building in the skyline, it is the work of Filippo Brunelleschi. The Duomo has the largest brick and mortar dome in the world. When Brunelleschi began in 1420, no one in Europe knew how to raise a dome that wide. The technology had been lost with the Romans. The cathedral had stood for decades with a hole in its roof, because the span was considered impossible to cover, and the city had essentially gambled that someone would one day work out how. Brunelleschi built it without the wooden scaffolding that everyone assumed was necessary, laying over four million bricks in a self-supporting double shell, one dome inside another, in a herringbone pattern that let each ring hold itself up as it rose.
The finished dome has a diameter of 149 feet (45.5 meters) across at the base and weighs an estimated 25,000 tons.
Six centuries later, it remains the largest masonry dome in the world. Nothing built since, in brick and stone, has surpassed it.
Another interesting thing to note about the Duomo here in Florence. There is a rule in Florence that has not been broken in over five hundred years: nothing in the city may be built taller than a dome finished in 1436. When you look at a photograph of Florence and notice that its skyline seems strangely, impossibly intact, you are not imagining it… the city has protected that view, by custom and by law, since the Renaissance. To this day, no building in Florence rises higher than the cupola.
The cathedral’s walls feature striking polychrome marble in white, green, and red/pink with geometric patterns. The current neo-Gothic facade (completed in the late 19th century by Emilio De Fabris) is elaborate and harmonious with the rest of the complex. The massive scale (153m long, 90m wide at the transept) makes it one of the largest churches in the world.
In addition, Giotto’s Bell Tower (Campanile) is stunning standalone Gothic tower designed by Giotto (started 1334), standing ~85m tall with intricate marble decoration. Climb 414 steps for excellent views, often considered complementary to the dome climb.
The interior is simpler than many expect, but impressive for its vast space, beautiful stained-glass windows (designed by artists like Donatello and Ghiberti), Paolo Uccello’s clock, frescoes (including equestrian monuments by Uccello and Andrea del Castagno), and the stunning marble floor as well as many frescoes.
One of the interior highlights is the Baptistery of San Giovanni. The octagonal Romanesque baptistery is renowned for its Gates of Paradise—famous gilded bronze doors by Lorenzo Ghiberti depicting Old Testament scenes. Inside, admire the magnificent mosaic ceiling. Original doors are in the museum; copies are on the baptistery.
The Museo dell’Opera del Duomo houses original sculptures and artifacts from the complex, including Michelangelo’s Pietà, Donatello’s Penitent Magdalene, the original “Gates of Paradise,” and models of the dome.
Traveling to the Duomo in Florence, Italy:
It is hard to miss it since, as mentioned above, it towers over the city.
The Duomo is naturally a popular spot to climb (463 steps) for a breathtaking view of the city. We suggest you get there early to avoid the very long lines that build up during the day. Be aware that access the Cathedral for is, but you need to buy a pass to climb Brunelleschi’s Dome, visit Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery, or the Museum. Book tickets early, as they sell out fast.
Visit the official website of the Duomo (cattedrale-di-santa-maria-del-fiore) in Florence, Italy.