Brunelleschi's dome, Renaissance dome at Florence Cathedral, Italy
The cupola at Florence Cathedral spans eight sides and forms a landmark over the city center. Its double shell of brickwork supports itself through a system of offset rows, built without visible scaffolding from the outside.
Filippo Brunelleschi began construction in the early 15th century after winning a competition. He completed the structure without wooden supports, a technical solution unknown in Europe at that time.
Inside, fresco painting covers nearly three thousand square meters with scenes of divine judgment, following a tradition of religious art in the city. Visitors walking up the stairs pass close to details that remain invisible from the floor below.
The climb passes through a narrow corridor between the two shells and requires steady footing. Once at the top, the lantern offers views across the old town and surrounding countryside.
Inside the cupola sits a 15th-century astronomical device that channels sunlight through a bronze plate. It allowed observation of celestial movements for centuries and served astronomers as a research tool.
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