Florence Cathedral, Cathedral in central Florence, Italy
Florence Cathedral, also known as Santa Maria del Fiore, is a basilica in central Florence with three naves and a large octagonal dome. The outer walls display geometric patterns in white, green, and pink marble, while the interior features tall columns and a wide central aisle.
Construction started on September 8, 1296, following a design by Arnolfo di Cambio to replace an older church on the same site. In the 15th century, Filippo Brunelleschi added the dome, which was the largest of its time and opened a new chapter in architectural history.
The church remains an active place of worship where local congregations gather for Mass and religious ceremonies throughout the week. Visitors often witness Florentine families attending baptisms and celebrations, blending sacred tradition with the rhythm of contemporary city life.
Entry to the main nave is free, but visitors must wear appropriate clothing with covered shoulders and knees. The church closes to tourists on Sundays and religious holidays when liturgical celebrations take place.
The floor inside displays intricate marble mosaics created by grand ducal workshops during the 16th and 17th centuries. These works form a continuous pattern beneath visitors' feet, showing geometric shapes and symbolic representations.
Location: Florence
Inception: September 8, 1296
Architects: Arnolfo di Cambio, Filippo Brunelleschi, Emilio De Fabris, Giovanni di Lapo Ghini, Andrea di Bonaiuto, Taddeo Gaddi, Benci di Cione Dami, Neri di Fioravante, Andrea Pisano, Francesco Talenti, Giotto, Antonio Ciaccheri
Architectural style: Renaissance architecture, Italian Gothic architecture
Height: 114.5 m
Length: 153 m
Width: 90 m
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Made from material: marble, brick
Part of: Historic Centre of Florence, Piazza del Duomo
Address: Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:15-16:45; Sunday,Holidays closed
Phone: +390552302885
Email: opera@operaduomo.firenze.it
Website: https://duomofirenze.it
GPS coordinates: 43.77306,11.25694
Latest update: December 2, 2025 22:39
This collection brings together notable domes and cupolas from all continents, signs of diverse architectural traditions extending from the Vatican to Australia, Russia to the United Arab Emirates. From the famous dome of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome to the colorful domes of the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood in Saint Petersburg, the Renaissance dome of Florence Cathedral, to the cast-iron dome of the US Capitol in Washington, each structure tells a particular story and reflects the ambitions of its era. These buildings span several centuries of architectural innovation and serve various functions: religious structures like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque or the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Côte d'Ivoire, civil buildings such as Oxford's Radcliffe Camera or the Australian Exhibition Palace, and even thermal spas like Budapest’s Széchenyi Baths. Each dome illustrates construction techniques and aesthetic decisions specific to its culture, offering insight into skills that enabled the creation of these monumental coverings.
Florence displays Renaissance architecture and art at every street corner. The city features 15th-century buildings, churches with marble facades, and museums with old master paintings. The Arno River divides the city while Ponte Vecchio spans across. From the hills, views extend over the red roofs and the cathedral dome.
Italy presents architecture from two millennia, from Roman temples to Renaissance museums. The country features volcanic zones near Naples, stone dwellings in Matera, and canals in Venice. Religious structures include St. Mark's Basilica, while art museums display Renaissance collections.
The cultural monuments and institutions of Tuscany include the cathedrals, museums, squares, and architectural sites of Florence, Pisa, and Siena. The region features medieval buildings like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, major museums such as the Uffizi Gallery, and historic squares like the Piazza del Campo in Siena. Religious buildings include the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence and the Cathedral of Siena with their distinctive architectures.
Brunelleschi's dome
99 m
Piazza del Duomo
38 m
Giotto's Campanile
56 m
Gates of Paradise
140 m
Museo dell'Opera del Duomo
99 m
Santa Maria del Fiore façade
111 m
North Doors of the Florence Baptistery
151 m
Santa Reparata, Florence
72 m
Funerary Monument to Sir John Hawkwood
79 m
City wall of Florence
74 m
Porta della Mandorla
43 m
Venerabile Arciconfraternita della Misericordia di Firenze
110 m
Loggia del Bigallo
140 m
Equestrian Statue of Niccolò da Tolentino
78 m
Teatro Niccolini
107 m
Palazzo Naldini
78 m
Palazzo dei Canonici
64 m
San Benedetto, Florence
89 m
Sinagogas de via delle Oche
108 m
Torre dei Visdomini
113 m
Palazzo di Bettino Ricasoli
133 m
Torre dei Pierozzi
79 m
Bottega dell'Opera del Duomo
100 m
Casa Ghiberti
64 m
Angelic hierarchy
142 m
Palazzetto Del Bianco
109 m
Casa de' Biffi
57 m
Museo della Misericordia
120 mReviews
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