Florence Cathedral
Latest page update: 18 September 2024
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No trip to Florence is complete without a visit to the beautiful Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore or simply: Florence Cathedral.
The outside of the structure is covered with white, green and pink marble panels that form part of Emilio De Fabris' incredible façade with its intricate detail in the Gothic Revival style of the 19th century while inside, the mosaic floor is one of its best features. |
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Works of art
With the 140 year period that was required to complete the cathedral's construction, the work of many hands and the traces of history remain embedded within its walls. There are works of art including paintings, sculptures and stained-glass windows by Ghiberti, Gaddi, Donatello, Andrea del Castagno and Santi di Tito; there's also a clock made by Paolo Uccello that still works.
Construction began at the end of the 13th century by Arnolfo di Cambio and after his death it was continued by Francesco Talenti and then Giovanni di Lapo Ghini. Even Giotto directed some of the works, in a period where the 85 metre tall bell tower (campanile) was built; one of the best examples of 14th century Gothic architecture in Florence and you can climb to the top of it. After Giotto it was Andrea Pisano who continued the work before Franceso Talenti finally finished construction in 1369.
With the 140 year period that was required to complete the cathedral's construction, the work of many hands and the traces of history remain embedded within its walls. There are works of art including paintings, sculptures and stained-glass windows by Ghiberti, Gaddi, Donatello, Andrea del Castagno and Santi di Tito; there's also a clock made by Paolo Uccello that still works.
Construction began at the end of the 13th century by Arnolfo di Cambio and after his death it was continued by Francesco Talenti and then Giovanni di Lapo Ghini. Even Giotto directed some of the works, in a period where the 85 metre tall bell tower (campanile) was built; one of the best examples of 14th century Gothic architecture in Florence and you can climb to the top of it. After Giotto it was Andrea Pisano who continued the work before Franceso Talenti finally finished construction in 1369.
Florence Tours
Brunelleschi's Dome
The famous dome wasn't finished until 1434; a design by Filippo Brunelleschi that was chosen in a public contest, winning against, among others, a design by Michelangelo which however can be seen in the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo. The dome is the cathedral's most notable feature; it's still the world’s biggest masonry dome ever built and an object of study for architects and engineers around the world.
If you are brave enough to climb its 463 steps, you will be rewarded with one of the best views of Florence from the terrace and during the climb you also have the chance to appreciate one of the biggest frescoes in the world from close range, an astonishing 3,600 m² work by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari.
The Crypt
The Cathedral is built on the site of the 7th century church of Santa Reparata, the ancient early Christian basilica of Florence and one of the major early Christian complexes in the region of Tuscia. Its remains can be seen in the crypt, just two and a half metres beneath the actual building. Santa Reparata houses notorious gravestones, including the tomb of Niccolò Squarcialupi and Giovanni Di Alamanno de' Medici as well as possibly, the tombs of two popes: Stephen IX and Nicholas II.
The famous dome wasn't finished until 1434; a design by Filippo Brunelleschi that was chosen in a public contest, winning against, among others, a design by Michelangelo which however can be seen in the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo. The dome is the cathedral's most notable feature; it's still the world’s biggest masonry dome ever built and an object of study for architects and engineers around the world.
If you are brave enough to climb its 463 steps, you will be rewarded with one of the best views of Florence from the terrace and during the climb you also have the chance to appreciate one of the biggest frescoes in the world from close range, an astonishing 3,600 m² work by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari.
The Crypt
The Cathedral is built on the site of the 7th century church of Santa Reparata, the ancient early Christian basilica of Florence and one of the major early Christian complexes in the region of Tuscia. Its remains can be seen in the crypt, just two and a half metres beneath the actual building. Santa Reparata houses notorious gravestones, including the tomb of Niccolò Squarcialupi and Giovanni Di Alamanno de' Medici as well as possibly, the tombs of two popes: Stephen IX and Nicholas II.
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Opening times:
Monday to Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00 Sundays and religious holidays: 13:30 - 16:45 Services: Weekdays: 07:30, 09:00, 10:30 (Gregorian Chants), 12:00 and 18:00 (with organ) Sundays and holidays: 07:30, 08:30, 09:30, 10:30, 11:30 and 18:00 (in the Baptistery) |
Prices:
Cathedral: free Cumulative tickets to visit Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistery of San Giovanni, Santa Reparata cost €15 (reduced to €10 from December 21st to March 21st) You can buy tickets online here or at the ticket office in Piazza San Giovanni (across the street from the Baptistery entrance), as well as tickets for the Bell Tower, the Crypt of Santa Reparata or the Museo del Duomo. |
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City: Florence
Province: Metropolitan City of Florence Region: Tuscany Built: 1296-1434 Architectural style: Gothic structure with a Renaissance dome Close by: Florence Baptistery, Giotto's Bell Tower, Piazza Duomo Recommended accommodation: Hotel Spadai |
Directions:
It takes no more than 15 minutes to walk the cathedral from the Central Station (Stazione FS di Santa Maria Novella) and it is almost impossible to get lost as the magnificent dome stands out among the roofs of the city centre and can be seen from miles away: Don't forget, this is the third largest church in the world, after St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, and St. Paul's Cathedral in London.
After crossing the station's square (Piazzale della Stazione) keep walking along Via Panzani, towards Piazza Duomo, where you will find the cathedralnext to the Florence Baptistery, (the oldest religious monument in Florence).
Full names: Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower, Duomo di Firenze, Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, Cathedral Sanctae Mariae Floris
After crossing the station's square (Piazzale della Stazione) keep walking along Via Panzani, towards Piazza Duomo, where you will find the cathedralnext to the Florence Baptistery, (the oldest religious monument in Florence).
Full names: Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower, Duomo di Firenze, Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, Cathedral Sanctae Mariae Floris
