Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

When you think of Florence, a very specific image comes to mind: that of Santa Maria del Fiore, the famous cathedral of the Tuscan capital.

The building, with its imposing dome and bell tower, is a symbol of the city and an integral part of its skyline.

This architectural masterpiece, consecrated in 1436, is one of the largest churches in Europe and is located in Piazza del Duomo, in the historic center. The name Santa Maria del Fiore refers to the lily, the symbol of Florence, as well as the city’s ancient name, Florentina.

The result of a collaboration across generations

Construction of the cathedral began in 1296, with Arnolfo di Cambio providing the original designs. Then Giotto, who began work on the bell tower in 1334, designed the self-supporting bell tower. The construction of the dome, completed in 1436, is considered Brunelleschi’s masterpiece; the vault, with a diameter of 45 meters and a height of 107 meters, is one of the highlights of Renaissance architecture.

A must-see for art lovers

A visit to the cathedral—which is definitely worth seeing from the inside as well—is free. You can book guided tours of the dome, the bell tower, and the Museo dell’Opera to gain a better understanding of the building’s uniqueness. The complex also includes the Baptistery of St. John, which was consecrated in the 11th century and is therefore one of the oldest buildings in the city. The Baptistery is adorned with magnificent bronze doors by Vasari and Pisano: the decorations, in all their detail, are truly not to be missed.