The most fascinating fact about Florence's Duomo is that its massive dome, the largest masonry dome in the world, was constructed without the use of scaffolding from the ground up. Architect Filippo Brunelleschi devised an ingenious double-shell structure with a special herringbone brick pattern, allowing the dome to support itself as it was built between 1420 and 1436.
Mind-Boggling Construction Facts
The construction of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore was an epic undertaking that spanned generations. Initial work began in 1296 under architect Arnolfo di Cambio, but the project took over 140 years to be fully completed. For decades, a massive hole remained in the roof because no one knew how to construct the 45-metre-wide dome envisioned in the plans.
How heavy is the dome?
Brunelleschi's dome is a masterpiece of engineering, weighing an estimated 37,000 metric tons. It was constructed using more than 4 million bricks of various sizes. Despite its immense weight, its innovative double-shell design and reinforcing chains distribute the load so effectively that it has stood for nearly 600 years.
Artistic and Historical Secrets
Beyond its architectural marvels, the Duomo complex holds centuries of stories within its art and history. From bitter rivalries to hidden artworks, there is more than meets the eye.
- A Bitter Rivalry: Filippo Brunelleschi's great rival was Lorenzo Ghiberti. In 1401, Ghiberti famously beat Brunelleschi in a competition to design the bronze doors for the Baptistery, now known as the 'Gates of Paradise'. However, Brunelleschi had the last laugh when he won the competition to build the Cathedral's dome.
- The Unfinished Façade: While the main structure was largely finished by the 14th century, the Cathedral's ornate facade remained bare for centuries. The original was demolished in 1587, and the current neo-Gothic marble facade was only completed in 1887.
- A One-Handed Clock That Runs Backwards: Inside the cathedral, above the main entrance, is a unique 24-hour clock designed by Paolo Uccello in 1443. Its single hand moves counter-clockwise and follows the 'Italic hour', a system where the 24th hour ends at sunset.
- The Largest Fresco in the World: The interior of the dome is adorned with a massive fresco depicting the Last Judgment. Spanning 3,600 square metres, it was started by Giorgio Vasari in 1572 and completed by Federico Zuccari. It contains over 700 figures.
- A Murder in the Cathedral: On April 26, 1478, the Cathedral was the scene of a deadly political plot known as the Pazzi Conspiracy. Assassins attacked Lorenzo de' Medici and his brother Giuliano during High Mass. Giuliano was brutally killed, but Lorenzo escaped with only a minor wound.
Climbing the Monuments
Visitors can experience the scale of the Duomo complex firsthand by climbing to the top of its two highest points. The views are breathtaking, but so is the ascent!
How many steps are there?
The climb to the top of Brunelleschi's Dome involves ascending 463 steps. There is no lift, and the narrow passageways were originally built for the construction workers, not tourists. The nearby Giotto's Bell Tower (Campanile) offers an alternative, and slightly less strenuous, climb of 414 steps, also with no lift.
Did you know? The bell tower, designed by Giotto in 1334, stands 84.7 metres (278 feet) tall. The original statues that adorned its niches, including works by Donatello, are now housed in the Duomo Museum to protect them.
Frequently asked questions
Is entry to Florence Cathedral free?
Yes, entrance to the main floor of the Florence Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore) is free of charge. However, you must purchase a ticket to climb the Dome, visit the Baptistery, climb Giotto's Bell Tower, and enter the Duomo Museum.
What is the Duomo built on?
The Cathedral was built on the site of an earlier, 7th-century church dedicated to Santa Reparata. The remains of Santa Reparata can still be seen in the crypt beneath the Cathedral.
How big is the Duomo?
Florence Cathedral is one of the largest churches in the world. It is 153 metres long, and the dome itself is 45 metres in diameter. The entire structure, including the lantern on top of the dome, reaches a height of 116.5 metres.
Ready to witness these marvels for yourself? The best way to explore the entire complex is with book tickets in advance to climb the dome and see the incredible art and history up close.