The Duomo of Florence, dedicated to Santa Maria del Fiore is one of the largest and most beautiful cathedrals in the world. Started in 1296 by the Sienese architect Arnolfo di Cambio, but took almost 150 years to complete. It is the fourth-largest cathedral in the world and is typical of Italian Gotchi architecture. The two architects who designed the Duomo were Lorenzo Ghiberti and Filippo Brunelleschi. Its cupola is the most characteristic feature and its pink, white and green marble façade dominates the Florence skyline best seen from Piazzale Michelangelo. The dome is decorated with frescoes by Vasari and Frederico Zuccari, and stained-glass windows by Donatello, Andrea del Castagno, Paolo Uccello and Lorenzo Ghiberti. The duomo's vast interior, about 155m long and 90m wide, and its sparse decoration comes as a surprise after the visually tumultuous façade. The sacristies on each side of the altar feature enameled terra cotta lunettes over their doorways by Luca della Robbia. Although now severely cracked and under restoration, it remains a remarkable achievement of design.

The cathedral bell tower, the Campanile di Giotto is considered to be one of the greatest testimonies to Gothic architecture of the 1300s. The octagonal Battistero is known for its three bronze doors: the south door designed by Andrea Pisano, the north door designed by Lorenzo Ghiberti, and the east door designed by Michelangelo.

 

 

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