Duomo Florence Cathedral Historic Buildings in Florence

Rising imperially from the sea of russet roofs, the huge dome of the Santa Maria del Fiore, or simply the "Duomo", provides Florence with its most defining of images. The cathedral in Florence itself was begun in 1296 when Arnolfo di Cambio was commissioned to effectively outdo Pisa and Siena, the city's archrivals, and create the world's largest basilica. Such lofty ambitions meant construction was slow, and it wasn't helped by the death of Arnolfo in 1302, and the Black Plague.

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When eventually most of the construction of this historic building was completed only the final hurdle was left. That was the implementation of the dome, which, like the cathedral, was to be the largest in the world. In 1419 a competition was held for the rights to its design and construction. Filippo Brunelleschi beat off the challenge from Lorenzo Ghiberti (famous for his work on the Baptistry's Gates of Paradise) to win the rights to produce it. After 16 years and some pioneering building methods, he gave Florence its crowning glory.

An attempt to steal some of the dome's thunder was made with the extreamly elaborate facade on the Duomo. This was added in the 19th century. Built in the neo-Gothic style from red, white and green marble, it dedicates its entire surface to the Madonna via an array of statues, lunettes, mosaics and rose windows.

It is often said that Florence Duomo is more spectacular on the outside than on the in, but that shouldn't stop anyone investigating its veritable wealth of eclectic curios. Notable are the towering pair of equestrian frescoes, one by Paolo Uccello (1436), and one by Andrea del Castagno (1456), both honouring famous soldiers; and the painting of the Last Judgement on the interior of the dome. Both the lower and upper reaches of the basilica can be explored. The Crypt, accessible for a €3 charge, features the ruins of the previous cathedral, the 5th- or 6th-century Santa Reparata, and the tomb of Brunelleschi. It is twice the price to climb to the trying 463 steps to the cupola, but the resulting view from the highest point in Florence makes it a worthwhile effort.