In case the hype about why the Florence Cathedral – in Italian, Florence Duomo – is so famous still remains a mystery to you, I am afraid you may not have the answer to that question until you give yourself permission to dig deep into the mystery and wonder of that fact.
In spite of the endless gorgeous view of the vineyards housed on top of the spectacular hills that bask under the Tuscany sun revealing that picture-perfect landscape that will leave you breathless, and wanting to explore more about this hidden treasure of a region, surprise your senses by taking a trip to the Florence Duomo located in the city of Florence, the capital city of the Tuscany region in Italy.
Now, this is why the Florence Duomo is so famous: here you will be immersed in the wonder and mystery that will live you with that almost out-of-body experience that can only be achieved by being right in the birthplace of Florence’s Renaissance.
You won’t have to look far to notice the mighty Dome in all its glory towering over the city’s skyline.
This sight alone will bring you to the realization of why The Florence Duomo is still one of the most in-demand experiences.
This majestic dome that is also known as Brunelleschi’s Dome is the cover of the Florence Cathedral, and as if the sight alone was not enough reason to make this masterpiece famous, wait until you begin to learn about the history that this very important landmark in Florence posses.
The Florence Duomo and Brunelleschi genius
You may ask then, who is Brunelleschi, the guy named after this eight-sided octagon iconic dome. Brunelleschi is certainly not just an ordinary guy, because he is the ingenious mastermind behind the construction of the dome.
The Florence Cathedral which is also known as the “Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral” (because it was dedicated to Santa Maria del Fiore, and that was in honor of the lily which happens to be the symbol of Florence), was designed by the Italian architects Arnolfo di Cambio. The mastermind behind the dome was Filippo Brunelleschi, who is considered to be among the founding fathers of Florence Renaissance architecture.
The construction of the Florence Cathedral itself took 140 years (Began in 1296 and was completed in 1436), and the construction of the dome took 16 years. All in all the construction of the dome alone took over 4 million bricks weighing over 40,000 tons, I guess that this is why the Florence Cathedral should hold the bragging rights of having one of the largest masonry dome in the world.
Florence Duomo: a revolution in architecture
The reason why The Florence Duomo is so famous is the fascinating history behind its construction and the challenges that the architects were faced while working on the project.
To understand the significance of Brunelleschi’s revolutionary work on the dome, one does not only have to look at the details and the story behind each piece of artwork embedded in the structure of the cathedral, but also realize that at the time of the cathedral’s construction, Brunelleschi had to invent some of the tools that would enable him to completes the work, and one of those tools was the Ox hoist crane that he invented for the sole purpose of his work on the dome.
He put so much detail in his work which is almost like a gift that just keeps giving, and one wonders if at all Brunelleschi finally got to the point of satisfaction with his work, or did he still have more mysteries to share with the world.
This can be observed when you take a walk to the right side of the square where you will find Brunelleschi’s statue that captures him so well, almost as if he is still pondering on what necessary details need to be added to his work, and that in itself is a sight to be seen.
So much Beauty in one place!
As I said, there is more to the Florence Dome that makes it so famous including the fact that the Cathedral Complex in the Piazza del Duomo, together with the Giotto’s Campanile, and the Baptistery are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Florence, which puts them on the top list of tourist attraction in Tuscany. There is undoubtedly so much beauty and admiration to be enjoyed in the complex of the Cathedral, and there is such vast historical knowledge behind each and every artifact that surrounds the Cathedral.
As a visitor or tourist or even as a local in the City of Florence, it is so mesmerizing when you find yourself surrounded by so much beauty and history that is all in one place, and yet each one has its own unique mystery to be discovered.
For example, when you look at the Italian Gothic, Renaissance Style of the building and then you learn about the influence behind it all, including what was going on around the time when all this was being constructed. To get an up-close look of the entire scenery, lucky for what is called the Florence Duomo Climb, and this experience is one to be had just so you can have one of the best bird eye’s views of the city of Florence by climbing the 463 steps to the top of the dome for that spectacular view.
Let’s explore the Cathedral complex
The other main reason as to why Florence Duomo is so famous is because there is so much to explore within the Cathedral complex like, for example, the famous Bronze Baptistery doors “Gates of Paradise” which are located in front of the Cathedral. These doors are by far the best work of art in the Baptistery. There is so much detail in the work of art and the illustration of the artwork has its own mystery as it focuses on the theme of Sin and redemption.
The most heavenly view welcomes you as you enter the Nave starting with the flooring and its mystery style of decor. Above the main entrance, you will notice the one of a kind Paolo Uccello’s colossal clock face which has fresco portraits of four prophets, and when you look up beneath the dome in the cathedral’s ceiling your eyes will be met by the breathtaking painting of Giorgio Vasari’s fresco of the Last Judgment.
One of the other additional attraction, as you enter the Cathedral complex, is the Bell Tower: Giotto’s bell tower. Giotto was one of Florence’s famous painters, but the most prominent one of all the Florence Cathedral’s beauty is the artist Donatello. He worked on the stained glass windows portraying the coronation of the virgin.
The other must-see attractions are the Florence Duomo Museum which lets you view all the original statues of the replicas for the ones on the eastern entrance, and the north and south doors.
Don’t miss a chance of visiting the Florence Academia Gallery, the home of Michelangelo’s David; here you will be greeted by the most spectacular view of the statue of David, the utmost symbol of beauty. As I said, the Florence Dome is so famous because it is just like a gift that keeps giving, and therefore don’t just take my word for it: check it out, you will surely thank me.
If you want to add your personal piece of Italian Renaissance to your home, look for breathtaking Fine Art Photographs at Paolo Modena Photography
Paolo Modena
My name is Paolo. I am a photographer. I consider myself fortunate to have grown up in Italy, surrounded by the art that is the envy of the world. I enjoy photography because it has caused me to fall in love with light, shade, and color. I see the world around me with fresh eyes every single day. And sometimes, when the mood is right, I just sit back and enjoy the moment without taking a photo.