In the city of great artistic genius, it’s the first site that many seek when they visit Florence, the majestic dome that looms out of the centre of the city, and the sparkling façade of Florence’s main cathedral. Here, we take you through the history of these true symbols of the city. 

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, commonly known as the Duomo of Florence, was designed at the end of the 13th century by Arnolfo di Cambio and dedicated to Santa Maria del Fiore, in reference to the giglio (lily) the symbol of the city. Florence has three cathedrals, the other two being San Lorenzo and Santa Reparata, above which it was built and the remains of which are still visitable from the central nave.

At 153 metres long, 90 metres wide and 90 metres high at its uppermost point, at the time of its consecration in 1436, it was one of the largest churches in the world and the largest in Europe, creating a dramatic focal point in the centre of Florence. It has been modified and renovated several times over the centuries, passing through the hands of several artistic genius’. Its design and construction were in the hands of Arnolfo di Cambio until 1302. In 1334, he appointed Giotto as master builder, and thus the incredible bell tower came to be. 

Then came Andrea Pisano, who died of the plague in 1348, followed by Francesco Talenti who completed the bell tower, the central nave and the minor aisles. At the end of the 19th century, Emilio de Fabris was responsible for building and completing the facade (the original one was demolished at the end of the 16th century), inspired by Florentine decorativism of the 1300s.

The 44 stained glass windows are works by some of the most renowned names in 15th century art history, including Donatello, Andrea del Castagno and Paolo Uccello.