The Basicalla di Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as the Duomo, is one of the most well known structures in the city of Florence. When someone mentions Florence, this is most likely one of the key symbols that comes to mind. The Duomo is located in Piazza Duomo at the heart of the historical center of Florence. It was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi and was built on the site of the church of Santa Reparata. The Cathedral first started to be built in the 13th century by Arnolfo di Cambio. However, the Duomo, which is the most dominate piece, wasn't added until the 15th century by Brunelleschi. It is amazing how this cathedral took over two centuries to complete. It once was the tallest cathedrals, until St. Peters Basilica was built in the Vatican.
The beautiful ceiling was a fresco painting done by Giorgio Vasari of the Last Judgement. Frederico Zuccari finished the paintings in 1579.
Across the street from the Duomo, is the Baptistery of St. John. This is one of the oldest buildings in Piazza. It was once a convent for Christians to use and was changed to a Baptistery in the 5th or 6th century. The one we see today was reconstructed in the mid 11th century. It is octagon shaped symbolizing the "octava dies" or "eight days". The baptistery was designed with costly marble taken from ancient structures. This was a time when Florence was very prosperous and there was a lot of economical and political achievements. On three of the four sides are there are three famous doors that are recognized by their decorations. The oldest is the south door, which was designed by Andrea Pisano. These doors depict scenes from St. John's Life. On the north doors, designed by Lorenzo Ghiberti, it depicts stories of the Life and Passions of Christ from the New Testament. Michelangelo also knows the Golden East doors that face the Duomo as the Gates of Paradise after a famous quotation. They were also designed by Ghiberti and depict scenes from the Old Testament.
Also part of the basilica, is the Bell Tower, which sits on the south side of the Duomo. It began construction in 1334 by Giotto di Bondone. It is also referred to as the Giotto's Bell Tower regardless of the fact that he died before the completion of the tower. After his death, Andrea Pisano and then Francesco Talenti took over the construction. There are five different levels and it has about 414 steps to reach the top of the tower.
Sources:
. N.p.. Web. 19 May 2013. <http://www.duomofirenze.it/storia/storia_eng.htm>.
"The Duomo, Santa Maria Del Fiore Cathedral in Florence." The Duomo in Florence, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore in Florence, Italy. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 May 2013.
The beautiful ceiling was a fresco painting done by Giorgio Vasari of the Last Judgement. Frederico Zuccari finished the paintings in 1579.
Across the street from the Duomo, is the Baptistery of St. John. This is one of the oldest buildings in Piazza. It was once a convent for Christians to use and was changed to a Baptistery in the 5th or 6th century. The one we see today was reconstructed in the mid 11th century. It is octagon shaped symbolizing the "octava dies" or "eight days". The baptistery was designed with costly marble taken from ancient structures. This was a time when Florence was very prosperous and there was a lot of economical and political achievements. On three of the four sides are there are three famous doors that are recognized by their decorations. The oldest is the south door, which was designed by Andrea Pisano. These doors depict scenes from St. John's Life. On the north doors, designed by Lorenzo Ghiberti, it depicts stories of the Life and Passions of Christ from the New Testament. Michelangelo also knows the Golden East doors that face the Duomo as the Gates of Paradise after a famous quotation. They were also designed by Ghiberti and depict scenes from the Old Testament.
Also part of the basilica, is the Bell Tower, which sits on the south side of the Duomo. It began construction in 1334 by Giotto di Bondone. It is also referred to as the Giotto's Bell Tower regardless of the fact that he died before the completion of the tower. After his death, Andrea Pisano and then Francesco Talenti took over the construction. There are five different levels and it has about 414 steps to reach the top of the tower.
Sources:
. N.p.. Web. 19 May 2013. <http://www.duomofirenze.it/storia/storia_eng.htm>.
"The Duomo, Santa Maria Del Fiore Cathedral in Florence." The Duomo in Florence, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore in Florence, Italy. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 May 2013.