Florence Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore) - the world's largest stone dome
Where is located Florence Cathedral?
Address of Florence Cathedral is Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Florence, Italy
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When was built Florence Cathedral?
Built date of Florence Cathedral is September 9, 1296 - begin of construction
1436 - construction completed
Facts, informations and history of Florence Cathedral
The Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, also known as the Florence Duomo, is one of Italy's most recognizable landmarks and one of the greatest architectural achievements of the Renaissance. Built on the foundations of a previous church, Santa Reparata, it symbolizes Florence’s power and ambition during its golden age. In designing and constructing this monumental building, Florence aimed to create a temple worthy of its greatness. It was a unique vision that—despite taking nearly six centuries to complete—resulted in a structure that still amazes tourists and scholars alike.
In the early 13th century, a plan for this new temple was commissioned to replace the earlier church of Santa Reparata. However, as history shows, the construction of the cathedral faced numerous challenges, particularly in relation to the extraordinary dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, which stands as one of the greatest masterpieces of architecture.
The “Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower” symbolizes the growing importance of Florence and is much larger than its predecessor. It was designed to be the largest Catholic church in the world.
Dimensions and Architectural Features
Santa Maria del Fiore is not only a place of worship but also a testament to extraordinary technical and artistic achievements. The cathedral's length is an impressive 153 meters, and its width in the side aisles is 90 meters. The dome, a defining feature of the building, rises to 114.5 meters, making it one of the tallest in the world.
Being the third tallest cathedral in the world, it is surpassed only by St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. The cathedral's nave width is 38 meters.
This monumental structure features a dome diameter of 45.5 meters and is constructed from over 4 million bricks with a total weight of around 40,000 tons. Additionally, the dome is self-supporting, meaning it requires no internal supports—a true marvel of engineering! The dome’s construction, designed by Brunelleschi, consists of two shells: the outer shell, visible from the outside, and an inner layer with staircases running between them.
Adjacent to the cathedral, the Giotto’s Campanile, a bell tower standing at 84.7 meters tall, is another masterpiece. Built by Giotto, Andrea Pisano, and Francesco Talenti, the tower has a beautifully decorated facade and offers a panoramic view of the entire city of Florence.
History of the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral
Beginnings: The Cathedral as a Symbol of Florence’s Ambition
The Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral was initiated by Arnolfo di Cambio, who began construction at the end of the 13th century. His design aimed to create the largest and most impressive Catholic church in the world, reflecting Florence’s growing importance as a center of commerce, culture, and art. However, it wasn’t until over a century later that work on the dome, the cathedral's crowning glory, began.
The Dome Competition: Brunelleschi’s Brilliant Solution
Building the dome was an incredibly challenging task due to its enormous size. None of the architects at the time knew how to construct it, especially without internal supports. A competition was held for the dome's design, and Filippo Brunelleschi, a goldsmith with no formal architectural training, participated. His innovative approach convinced the judges. Drawing on his knowledge of metalworking and a sense of aesthetics and practicality, Brunelleschi found a solution that continues to captivate to this day. Brunelleschi proposed a herringbone brick pattern, allowing for an even distribution of weight and eliminating the need for wooden scaffolding. This groundbreaking solution not only reduced the need for labor and materials but also saved over 400 trees.
Technical Mastery and the Beauty of Detail
Brunelleschi used his experience as a goldsmith and blacksmith, as well as his aesthetic sensibility, to create a structure that combined functionality with beauty. The double-shell construction makes the dome both lightweight and stable, and the space between the shells allows visitors to climb to the top, offering breathtaking views of Florence.
Architectural Beauty and Symbolism of Details
The Facade – Marble and Colors
The cathedral's facade is a true work of art. It is adorned with polychrome marble panels, creating a harmonious blend of white, pink, and green. The 19th-century facade was executed in the Gothic Revival style by Emilio De Fabris, who aimed to echo medieval traditions while giving the cathedral a unique character.
The “Last Judgment” Fresco – A Masterpiece Inside the Dome
One of the most impressive features inside the cathedral is the fresco depicting the Last Judgment, painted on the interior of the dome by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari. Completed between 1572 and 1579, this work captivates with its drama and detail, portraying visions of heaven and hell.
The Nave and Stained Glass – The Art of Light
The three-aisled interior of the cathedral, while much more minimalist compared to the ornate facade, is also noteworthy. Its simplicity is offset by a series of impressive stained-glass windows created by renowned Renaissance artists such as Donatello, Paolo Uccello, and Andrea del Castagno. These windows not only decorate the interior but also filter sunlight, creating a unique atmosphere.
Awards and Recognitions
The Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, as a symbol of Italian Renaissance art and an architectural marvel, has received many prestigious awards and international acclaim:
UNESCO – In 1982, the cathedral and the historic center of Florence were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, recognized as a heritage site of exceptional importance to humanity.
Prestigious Rankings – Santa Maria del Fiore frequently appears on lists of the world's most significant religious buildings, and its dome is still considered a groundbreaking Renaissance engineering achievement.
Architectural Recognition – Filippo Brunelleschi, the mastermind behind the dome, was posthumously recognized as one of the fathers of modern architecture, and his engineering solutions are studied in architectural schools worldwide.
Santa Maria del Fiore in Films and Literature
Thanks to its iconic architecture and rich history, Santa Maria del Fiore has become a popular motif in popular culture, appearing in both films and literature, adding a deeper historical context to various settings:
“Inferno” by Dan Brown – The cathedral plays a key role in the novel “Inferno” and its film adaptation. The cathedral's mysteries and secrets become an integral part of the story, with Florence's scenery adding dramatic flair to the plot.
Documentary Films – Numerous documentaries, such as PBS’s “Great Cathedral Mystery,” explore Brunelleschi’s engineering feats and secret techniques, shedding light on the complex process of building the dome.
Historical Productions – Costume films and series such as “Medici: Masters of Florence” feature the cathedral, helping bring Renaissance Florence to life.
Fun Facts About the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral
The Largest Dome in the World – The Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral boasts the largest masonry dome in the world, which remains one of the most significant monuments of Renaissance architecture.
The Last Judgment Fresco – The fresco by Vasari and Zuccari on the dome is considered one of the greatest works of sacred painting in history.
Name Symbolism – The name “Santa Maria del Fiore” refers to Florence’s symbol—the lily, which also adorns the city’s coat of arms.
The Gates of Paradise – The nearby Baptistery features the famous Gates of Paradise by Lorenzo Ghiberti. Michelangelo was so impressed with their craftsmanship that he called them the “Gates of Paradise.” The doors were created by the winner of a national competition in 1401, years before the construction of the dome. The contest for the eastern doors saw two young finalists: Filippo Brunelleschi and Lorenzo Ghiberti, both trained in metalworking and goldsmithing. They chose the same biblical scene for the door panels—Abraham’s sacrifice of his son. Ultimately, Ghiberti’s classical style won. Years later, Michelangelo remarked that the doors looked like the gates of paradise, thus giving them their name.
The Bell Tower – The adjoining bell tower, known as Giotto’s Campanile, stands 84.7 meters high and about 15 meters wide. It is the most striking example of 14th-century Florentine Gothic architecture. Construction began in 1334 under Giotto, continued by Andrea Pisano after his death, and was completed in 1359 by Francesco Talenti, who added large windows to the upper levels.
The Dome as an Astronomical Observatory – At the top of Brunelleschi’s dome, an opening was designed for astronomical observations, allowing the tracking of the Sun’s movement and the accurate marking of solstice dates.
The Infernal Well in the Crypts – Beneath the cathedral, a crypt was discovered with the remains of the former Santa Reparata church. Among them, an old well known as the “infernal well” was found, associated with ghost stories and eerie sounds said to emanate from it.
Self-Sufficient Structure – Interestingly, the dome was constructed with an internal network of spiral staircases and tunnels, allowing for maintenance and inspection without the need for scaffolding.
The Great Clock – Inside the cathedral, there is an unusual clock designed by Paolo Uccello that counts time from sunset, not midnight, following the old Italian style of “hours of Italy.”
Brunelleschi’s Treasure – It is said that Brunelleschi hid a secret box within the walls of the dome, possibly containing notes or precious drawings. The mysterious box has never been found, and its existence remains a legend.
Conclusion
The Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral is not just a monument—it is a living testament to human genius, determination, and artistic craftsmanship. Its majestic form and innovative technical solutions are proof of how far human imagination and ambition can reach. Built over generations, it has withstood turbulent times, social and political transformations, becoming a symbol not only of Florence but also of the entire Renaissance era. Every element of this monumental building tells a fascinating story about the people who dreamed of creating something great and pushed the limits of the possible to achieve it.
Brunelleschi, di Cambio, and other great masters devoted years of work to ensure their creation would stand the test of time and continue to captivate visitors for centuries. From the awe-inspiring dome, a testament to technical genius, to the subtle frescoes and polychrome marble—every detail reveals the passion of creators who transcended their capabilities, bringing boldness and innovation to architecture. Today, Santa Maria del Fiore remains a place of inspiration, a reminder of the strength of the human spirit and perseverance.
Visiting it, one can feel not only the grandeur of the monumental structure but also the emotions and ideas that guided its creators. Every brick, every fresco, and every ornament forms one great story about dreams that know no boundaries and the people who were determined to fulfill them, leaving behind a legacy that transcends the ages.
"And when I thought of Florence, it was like a miracle city embalmed and like a corolla, because it was called the city of lilies and its cathedral, St. Mary of the Flowers." - Marcel Proust, Swann's Way
Architect of Florence Cathedral
How many meters have Florence Cathedral?
Height of Florence Cathedral is 114.5 meters


Construction/building type
Building Florence Cathedral is of type Church, Cathedral
A church is a type of sacred building that acts as a place of prayer and religious practice within Christianity. The architecture of churches has evolved over the centuries, being influenced by different styles and historical periods. Below, I provide information on the precursors of church architecture, the most popular architectural styles and some well-known church buildings.... czytaj więcej.
Architectural style
Architectural style of Florence Cathedral is Renaissance, Gothic, Neogotyk
The Renaissance is an architectural style that developed in Europe in the 15th and 16th centuries, characterised by a return to the classical forms and elements of ancient Greek and Roman architecture. The Renaissance was a reaction to the Gothic style that prevailed in Europe from the 12th to 15th centuries and was associated with churches and sacred buildings. Renaissance means 'rebirth' and the style is considered the precursor to modern architecture. ... czytaj więcej.
Other dimensions, parameters and frequently asked questions
What area have Florence Cathedral?
Florence Cathedral have area of 8 300 m² - floor area
What material is the building made of?
Florence Cathedral is made of the following materials: Marble, brick
Practical informations
What is the cost of entry for Florence Cathedral?
Tickets for Florence Cathedral are available at the following prices and variants:
- Access to the library is free. Other parts of the complex (dome, baptistery, crypts, Campanile di Giotto and Museo dell’Opera del Duomo) are covered by a combined ticket.
- Adults: €18
- Children (6-11 years): €3
- Children under 6 years: Free
At what times is open Florence Cathedral?
Florence Cathedral is open or accessible to the public on the following dates and times:
- Entrance to the church from 10:00, closing at 16:00, 16:30 or 17:00.
- Dome: from 08:30, closed on Sunday.
- Belfry: from 08:30 (414 stairs / without elevators).
- Crypts: from 10:00, closed on Sunday.
- Baptistery: usually from 11.15.
- Museum: from 9:00, closed on Sunday afternoon.
Other names
The building is also known by other common names or in the original language, i.e. The Duomo, Katedra we Florencji
Is the building on the UNESCO World Heritage List?

The listing took place in the year 1982.
Details of the entry are available on the Unesco website at https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/174bis/
Official website
The official website of the building, where up-to-date information can be found, is http://www.museumflorence.com
Questions and answers
What are the main architectural features of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore?
The cathedral stands out with its rich marble decoration, the distinctive dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, and the ornate doors, including those by Ghiberti.
Is the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore open to visitors?
Yes, the cathedral is open to visitors, and tourists can admire its interior, the dome, the bell tower, and the baptistery.
Is it possible to buy tickets online for the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore?
Yes, it is recommended to buy tickets online to avoid queues and gain quicker access to the cathedral's interior.
Can visitors climb the dome of the Cathedral?
Yes, visitors have the opportunity to climb the dome, from which they can enjoy a picturesque view of the city of Florence.
Does the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore serve as a Catholic cathedral?
Yes, the cathedral serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Florence and functions as a Catholic cathedral.
Is photography allowed inside the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore?
Photography may be restricted in certain areas, but it is generally allowed in most parts of the cathedral.
Is the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore accessible for people with disabilities?
The cathedral strives to provide facilities for people with disabilities, but it is advisable to check access conditions in advance.
Are regular services or religious ceremonies held at the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore?
Yes, regular services and religious ceremonies are held at the cathedral, which plays a significant role in the religious life of Florence.
Is the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore open on weekends?
Yes, the cathedral is generally open on weekends, although opening hours may vary slightly.
Is it possible to purchase a combined ticket that includes entry to the Cathedral and other nearby attractions?
Yes, there are often combined tickets available, allowing access to the Cathedral and other nearby attractions, such as the San Marco monastery or the baptistery.
Is the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore surrounded by other historical sites or tourist attractions?
Yes, the cathedral is located on Piazza del Duomo, surrounded by other landmarks, such as Giotto's Bell Tower and the Baptistery of San Giovanni.
Is entry to the Cathedral grounds free, or is a ticket required for access?
Entry to the Cathedral grounds is generally paid, and the ticket grants access to various parts of the complex.
Can private wedding ceremonies be held at the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore?
Yes, many people choose to have private wedding ceremonies at the cathedral, but this requires prior reservation and adherence to specific conditions.
Is the Cathedral illuminated at night, making it an attractive sight for tourists?
Yes, the cathedral is often illuminated in the evening, which adds to its charm and makes it beautifully visible at night.
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