Florence Cathedral (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore)

Florence Cathedral

Introduction: There are many majestic churches in the world, but few can be as enchanting as this one. This beautiful cathedral, clad in white, red, and green marble, perfectly embodies the classical elegance and freedom championed during the Renaissance.

The site of the Florence Cathedral was originally occupied by the Church of Santa Reparata, built in the 4th century. In 1296, Giovanni de' Medici funded the construction of a new church, which took 175 years to complete.

The dome of the cathedral, designed by the genius architect Filippo Brunelleschi and modeled after the Pantheon in Rome, is a perfect blend of classical art and contemporary science. Even the Pope marveled at it as “mythical,” and a musician even composed a concerto in its honor. Later, Michelangelo used it as inspiration when designing St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, but not without lamenting, “I could build it larger than this, but not more beautiful.”

Most incredibly, Brunelleschi drew no sketches and left behind no calculations, as if the entire dome had already been built in his mind. His tomb lies beneath the cathedral, and in the square, his statue points toward his beloved dome.

Inside the dome is Vasari’s fresco “The Last Judgment.” The hall walls feature the mural “Monument to Giovanni Acuto” and “Dante and the Divine Comedy,” painted to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Dante’s birth, along with countless reliefs.

Climbing the 463 steps on the northern side of the cathedral leads you to the dome, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the old city of Florence. Ticket/Opening Hours: Cathedral opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10:00–17:00; Thursday 10:00–15:30; Saturday 10:00–16:45; Sunday and holidays 13:30–16:45; the first Saturday of each month 10:00–15:30; January 1st, Easter, and Christmas 15:30–16:45.

Dome opening hours: 8:30–19:00; Saturday 8:30–17:40; May 1st 8:30–17:00; closed on January 1st, Epiphany, Thursdays to Saturdays before Easter, June 24th, August 15th, September 8th, November 1st, Christmas, and December 26th.

Dome ticket: €6 (ticket sales stop 40 minutes before closing)

Florence, Italy