The Florence Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore), even admired by Michelangelo himself

By Li Xinyi, compiled and reported | Source: MOOK Editorial Department

The Florence Cathedral was rebuilt on the site of the existing Church of Santa Reparata from the 5th century. It was initially constructed based on the design by Arnolfo di Cambio, who at that time was also overseeing the construction of the Basilica of Santa Croce and the Piazza della Signoria.

After the death of Arnolfo di Cambio, several architects took over the project, and it was ultimately the renowned architect Filippo Brunelleschi who designed the cathedral’s massive dome. It was built between 1420 and 1436. The red octagonal dome, completed in 1436, added an extraordinary touch to the cathedral. Brunelleschi innovated by using a pulley-assisted roofing technique instead of traditional scaffolding — constructing such a magnificent dome at the time was truly a remarkable feat and added yet another celebrated achievement to the cathedral’s legacy.

Opposite the main entrance of the cathedral lies the octagonal Baptistery of St. John, faced with white and green marble. This Romanesque structure, dating back to the 4th century, is historically significant and may be the oldest church in Florence, as it once served as the main cathedral before the Florence Cathedral was built. The most famous part of the baptistery is the eastern gate, known as the “Gates of Paradise,” designed by Lorenzo Ghiberti and depicting scenes from the Old Testament. Later renamed by Michelangelo, these bronze doors are revered for their intricate craftsmanship and are considered a classic masterpiece of early Renaissance art.

The 85-meter-high bell tower (Giotto’s Bell Tower), designed by Giotto, combines Romanesque and Gothic styles. Meanwhile, the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore museum houses Michelangelo’s unfinished “Pietà” as well as works by Donatello.