The cathedral dome of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence

Author: Serena

The cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

This cathedral is one of the biggest church in Italy. Some of the artists who worked for this monument are Giotto, Andrea Pisano and Francesco Talenti who finished it in 1369. The dome was made by Brunelleschi and, then, in 1436, Pope Eugenio IV consecrated this church dedicating it to Santa Maria del Fiore. Even if the basic structure of this monument is in gothic style it is also deeply characterized by the typical Florentine predilection for big volumes, for right lines and for geometrical decorations. The current neo-gothic façade was made at the end of the XIXth century. Beside the cathedral you can admire the magnificent bell tower by Giotto.

The neo-gothic façade of the cathedral

The most important and original part of the whole construction is the gigantic brick dome created by the architect Filippo Brunelleschi: this dome is 91 metres high with a base diameter of 50 metres .

The gigantic brick dome of the cathedral

The sober and linear inner space is divided into three naves characterized by the presence of elegant pillars that sustain the ogival vaults.

Inner view of the cathedral

At the crossing point of the naves, there is a dome ornamented with a fresco by Vasari and by Zuccari, representing the Last Judgement. The beautiful stained glass windows were designed by Ghiberti, by Gaddi, and by Ambrogio da Pisa. The floor is made up by polychrome marbles, the playing angels, in the six arches, were painted by Santi di Tito and the prophets heads, in the watch, were created by Paolo Uccello. The marble chorus and its central altar were designed by Giuliano di Baccio d’Agnolo and they are characterized by figures and bas-relieves by Baccio Bandinelli.
In the first chapel of the transept there is La Pietà by Michelangelo: this unfinished marble work is the most important monument of this church. In the left nave you can admire the Table with Dante, the Divina Commedia and the Florence Landscape by Domenico Michelino.