The Duomo Of Florence, A Symbol Of Italian Renaissance Art
For many, Florence is too touristy a city. But where else can you walk the same streets that saw Botticelli or Leonardo da Vinci and that are themselves works of art? Next, we take you to one of the most emblematic places in the city: the Duomo of Florence, that is, the Cathedral of Santa María del Fiore.
An approach to the Duomo of Florence
The first thing is to say that the word “duomo” (original masculine noun in Italian) refers in many countries, especially in Italy and Germany, to the main church in some cities. The term comes from the Latin domus (“house”), in the sense of “the house of God.”
And this cathedral is special for many reasons, such as its extraordinary location, right in the historic center of Florence, a city that oozes art and history on all four sides.
The temple stands in the San Giovanni square, also known as the Duomo square. In this square you will also find historical buildings of great importance, such as the Giotto tower and the baptistery of San Giovanni. Together with the cathedral, they form one of the most beautiful ensembles in all of Italy.
The Duomo of Florence , a great architectural work
Santa María del Fiore is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe, measuring 155 meters long and 107 meters high. Construction of the cathedral began in 1296 and ended in 1446. It is also one of the most thoroughly constructed buildings in all of Italy.
The dome of the cathedral, a masterpiece
The secret of its dome was kept hidden for a long time. It seemed impossible that the structure could support such a large and heavy dome. In fact, its construction was partly responsible for the construction of the cathedral taking so long.
The design of the dome was the work of the architect Filippo Brunelleschi and was built between the years 1420 and 1436. An impressive structure that reaches a height of 116.5 meters. Meanwhile, the diameter of the inner cap is 45.5 meters and that of the outer, almost 55 meters.
A dome that weighs 30,000 tons and in which four million bricks were used. Structure that astonished in its time, and still continues to do so.
Florentines often refer to it as the “cupolone” because of its size, opulence and grandeur. It can be seen from many points of the city, not in vain it is the tallest building in Florence. And you can go up to admire spectacular views, 463 steps await you.
The interior of the cathedral
Once inside the Duomo of Florence you will discover its more than 3600 m² of frescoes. They are the work of illustrious Fiorentine artists such as Giorgio Vasari, Paolo Uccello or Andrea del Castagno. They represent varied themes that include both scenes from Dante’s Divine Comedy and figures from the evangelists or important figures of the city.
In the dome there is a spectacular representation of the Last Judgment (by Federico Zuccari). In addition to the frescoes, the stained glass windows are also noteworthy, the work of such artists as Ghiberti and Donatello.
Two inseparable treasures
We have talked about the cathedral, but we cannot forget two elements that are inseparable from the temple: Giotto’s tower and the Baptistery.
The baptistery
It is in the same square as the Duomo, right in front of the cathedral. Of him it is worth mentioning the so-called Gates of Paradise, the work of Ghiberti. In them scenes from the Old Testament are represented in each of its ten panels. But the originals are in the museum of the cathedral.
Giotto’s tower
It is the bell tower of the cathedral, separated from it, as in other Italian temples. A slender tower that touches 85 meters in height and that follows the aesthetics of the cathedral, being clad in polychrome marble. You can also climb to the top to admire incredible views of the city.
Without a doubt, a visit to the Duomo of Florence is something you cannot miss if you are lucky enough to travel to this wonderful city. You will be able to soak up the Renaissance air and admire one of the most beautiful monuments in Italy.
