Duomo Florence Cathedral
Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral
The Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Duomo Florence Cathedral , stands as one of the most illustrious medieval architectural masterpieces in Europe.
Renowned for the audacity of its structures, the luxury of its decorations, and the venerable weight of its history, this cathedral, along with other monuments in the historic center of Florence, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. Ranking as the fifth largest church in Europe, following St. Peter’s in Rome, St. Paul’s in London, the Cathedral of Seville, and Milan’s Duomo, its grandeur is captivating and historically significant.
The cathedral’s construction, initiated in the 13th century and completed in the 15th century, is a testament to the city’s rich cultural and artistic legacy. The iconic dome, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, symbolizes architectural innovation. Visitors are greeted by its awe-inspiring exterior and a treasure trove of artistic masterpieces within, making the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore a must-visit destination for those seeking a profound encounter with history and art in the heart of Florence.
Designed to accommodate 30,000 people, the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore boasts impressive dimensions. Stretching a length of 153 meters with a width of 38 meters, the cathedral reaches a height of 45 meters at its vaults. The transept of the crucifix is 90 meters wide, and the difference in elevation from the floor to the top of the inner dome is approximately 90 meters. One could envision constructing a 15-story building within the central nave, while the space could accommodate a towering skyscraper of 30 floors beneath the dome.
These staggering measurements underscore the cathedral’s grandeur and serve as a testament to the ambitious vision of its architects. The intricate details of its construction, including the iconic dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, contribute to the Basilica’s status as a marvel of architectural innovation and a cornerstone of Florence’s cultural heritage. The sheer scale of the cathedral invites visitors to marvel not only at its historical significance but also at the engineering prowess that went into its creation.
Florence Duomo Complex, Florence – Book Tickets & Tours 2024
Duomo Florence Opening Hours 2024
Closed on Sunday and public holidays.
Duomo Florence Cathedral entrance is free!
florence cathedral official website : L’Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore
The History of the Duomo Florence Cathedral
In 1285, in Florence, a decision was made to expand the ancient and now dilapidated cathedral of Santa Reparata, dating back to the 6th century, which, between the 9th and 11th centuries, had been replaced in its functions by the Baptistery. The project was entrusted to the architect and sculptor Arnolfo di Cambio (14th century), who laid the foundation stone in 1296. The new cathedral was to be dedicated to the Madonna and, in 1412, was christened Santa Maria del Fiore (a clear reference to the lily in the coat of arms of Florence).
It was consecrated on March 25, 1436. The construction of the building lasted almost two centuries, excluding the realization of the current facade, which dates back to the 19th century.
Arnolfo di Cambio’s design for the cathedral reflected the Gothic style prevalent during the medieval period, emphasizing soaring vertical lines and intricate detailing. The dedication to the Madonna and the subsequent name, Santa Maria del Fiore, linked the cathedral to the city’s religious identity and reinforced Florence’s civic pride with the symbolic representation of the lily.
The lengthy construction process, spanning generations, attests to the dedication and perseverance of the Florentine community in realizing this monumental architectural feat.
The consecration in 1436 marked the culmination of years of craftsmanship and engineering, making the cathedral a beacon of religious and cultural significance in the heart of Florence. The final touch of the 19th-century facade harmoniously blended with the medieval structure, providing a visual testament to the cathedral’s enduring legacy through the ages.
The current church does not adhere entirely to the original design by Arnolfo (who died around 1301), as it was expanded and partly modified by the architect and sculptor Francesco Talenti (1300–1369) initially and later by the architect Lapo Ghini (14th century). However, the general concept envisioned by Arnolfo was still respected.
A fresco from the second half of the 14th century, titled “The Church Militant,” illustrates the envisioned appearance of the new cathedral as imagined by Arnolfo di Cambio and Francesco Talenti: a longitudinal structure attached to an octagonal space covered by a dome.
The modifications made by Talenti and Ghini maintained the overall Arnolfian concept, reflecting a collaborative effort that evolved the original design while preserving its fundamental elements. This adaptation over time adds layers to the cathedral’s story, showcasing the dynamic nature of architectural evolution in response to artistic vision and practical considerations.
The structure of the Duomo Florence Cathedral
The plan features a longitudinal body with three naves divided into four bays, seamlessly integrating with a spacious octagonal space that bears a striking resemblance, both in form and size, to the nearby Romanesque Baptistery. Three sides of the octagon open into niches, each crowned with chapels.
Arnolfo’s design reflects a thoughtful fusion of classical architecture, drawing on the late antique origins of the octagonal shape. At the same time, the concept of merging a longitudinal body with a central one recalls the Pantheon in Rome.
The interior exudes a sense of expansiveness and grandeur, attributed to the pointed arches supporting ribbed vaults upheld by robust composite pillars. While the substantial simplicity of the unadorned structures harkens back to Romanesque traditions, the interplay of pointed arches connecting the pillars is decidedly Gothic.
Similarly, the radiating chapels and tall, biforate windows carry a distinctly Gothic influence. This amalgamation of architectural elements creates a harmonious blend where Romanesque and Gothic styles converge, showcasing the cathedral’s unique and transitional architectural character.
Visitors traverse the expansive interior and encounter a visual narrative that unfolds through the interplay of light and shadow, enhancing the cathedral’s aesthetic appeal and historical significance.
The façade of the Duomo Florence Cathedral
A 16th-century drawing, preserved at the Museum of the Opera del Duomo in Florence, provides insight into the appearance of the original façade, possibly designed and initiated by Arnolfo himself. However, the construction was left incomplete and later destroyed during the Renaissance, with the unrealized notion of rebuilding it by contemporary tastes.
The three main portals of the Duomo were preceded by pointed arch protyra; the buttresses, carved with aedicules, had been transformed into tabernacles for statues, and large semicircular niches adorned the walls. In articulating masses, Arnolfo favored the rhythmic division of voids filled by the volumes of intricately sculpted figures.
The envisioned façade, captured in the 16th-century drawing, revealed a harmonious integration of architectural and sculptural elements. The pointed arch protyra preceding the main portals added a distinctive Gothic touch, while the transformation of buttresses into tabernacles showcased a creative reuse of space.
The grand semicircular niches not only contributed to the visual dynamism of the façade but also offered ideal settings for displaying sculptural masterpieces. Unfortunately, this ambitious design met an untimely end, and the façade’s reconstruction never materialized. Despite this, the historical traces of Arnolfo’s original vision linger, providing a fascinating glimpse into the time’s evolving artistic ambitions and influences.
The current façade
The current façade of Duomo Florence (Santa Maria del Fiore) is not Gothic but Neo-Gothic, as it was constructed in the 19th century. In the late 1800s, competitions were held in Italy to complete several famous medieval monuments that had remained unfinished, including San Petronio in Bologna, the Duomo of Milan, and the Duomo of Amalfi. In 1864, in Florence, the decision was made to realize the façade of the Arnolfian cathedral. This façade was erected between 1880 and 1888 and designed by Emilio de Fabris (1807-1883), who unfortunately did not witness its completion, as he passed away before the work was finished. Luigi del Moro continued the project.
Constructed with polychrome marbles, the façade aims to harmonize chromatically with both the lateral prospects of the Duomo and the neighboring structures, namely the bell tower and the baptistery. Despite its overall harmony with the rest of the church, the modernity of the façade is betrayed only by the abundance of decorative elements. Additionally, a notable presence of “Rosso di Siena” marble is observed compared to the sides of the cathedral, chosen for patriotic reasons. The idea was to link the façade to the tricolor of the recently unified Italy, showcasing a deliberate choice of materials to express national identity and pride.
Florence Duomo Complex, Florence – Book Tickets & Tours 2024
Florence Duomo Travel Guide – 2024
Inside of Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
Where is the Duomo located in Firenze?
Duomo Florence Tickets FAQs
Are Duomo Florence tickets available online?
Yes, you can book your Florence Duomo and Complex ( Brunelleschi’s Dome, Bell Tower, Baptistery, Duomo Museum and Santa Reparata ) tickets online, as they accept digital reservations.
What are the different types of Florence Duomo tickets?
Duomo Florence ticket types include three different types. Three of them are Brunelleschi, Giotto, and Ghiberti passes. BRUNELLESCHI PASS – €30 for adults, €12 for children between 7 and 14 years of age, free for children up to 6 years old.
GIOTTO PASS – €20 for adults, €7 for children between 7 and 14 years old, free for children up to 6 years of age.
GHIBERTI PASS – €15 for adults, €5 for children between 7 and 14 years old and students of all nationalities, free for children up to 6 years of age.
To access the Duomo and the monuments of the complex, print your voucher or ticket and bring it to the Duomo with you, and make sure to be there at least 15 minutes before your entry time. You may only be allowed to enter if you arrive 5 minutes late.
Do Duomo Florence tickets include skip-the-line access?
Yes, when you get Florence Duomo tickets, you can skip the waiting lines and go directly to the security check.
Which pass is best for Duomo Florence?
Brunelleschi Pass: This includes everything in the Giotto Pass, and also lets you pick a time to go up the dome of the Cathedral when you buy the pass.
What ticket do I need to climb the Duomo?
To climb up the Duomo Florence (Brunelleschi’s Dome), you need the Brunelleschi Pass: €30 for 15 years and older, reduced to €12 for kids 7-14, and FREE for children under six.
Do you need passport for Duomo?
Children must provide proof of identification if security needs to check their age. Anyway, it depends on the situation. We recommend always having an ID with you when you visit any place in Italy.
What are Duomo Florence’s hours?
Duomo Florence is open from 10:15 am to 3:45 pm, Monday to Saturday, while the opening times of the other attractions of the Duomo Complex vary from 8:15 am to 7:00 pm. Since Santa Maria del Fiore is still an active consecrated cathedral, on Sundays and religious holidays, visiting times may vary, and it may be closed to the general public due to religious celebrations. Please note that the Monumental Complex will be closed on Easter Sunday, December 25th, and January 1st.
Florence Duomo Museum closes on the First Tuesday of each month.
Baptistery, every first Sunday of the month, closes at 2:00 pm.
Santa Reparata Crypt is open from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm on Sundays and religious holidays.
How do I get to the Florence Duomo?
The best way to get to Florence Duomo is by taking a taxi or bus or walking to Piazza del Duomo.
From Firenze Santa Maria Novella station, it is about 800-900 meters to the Piazza del Duomo. It will take roughly 10 minutes from this station to reach the Cathedral on foot.
By Bus: To reach Florence Duomo, you have to take either one of the following and get down near the Piazza del Duomo: Buses 2, 22, 6, and C2.
By Car: Get your GPS to “Piazza del Duomo” and follow the directions. Since the Piazza del Duomo is located in the heart of the city, several paid parking services and garages are nearby.
Is there a dress code to enter Duomo Florence?
You should wear suitable clothes – the Cathedral, the dome, and the Baptistery are holy places, so you must dress modestly.
Can you bring bags into the Duomo?
If you plan to go up the Dome (with a Brunelleschi Pass ticket), leave your bags at the luggage storage at 38/r Piazza Duomo. But if you’re going to the Museum, leave your bags in the cloakroom at 9 Piazza Duomo.
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