The Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is the major cathedral church (Duomo) of Florence. The structure of the basilica is notable for its fantastic and marvelous dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. The exterior of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is made of polychrome marble panels, for example green, pink and white. The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore was built on the site of a preceding cathedral (Santa Reparata). It was inspired by the new famous churches in Pisa and Siena. The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore was and is the largest cathedral in Europe.

The construction of the dome weighs about 37,000 tons and contains over 4 million bricks. The artist who made this spectacular structure was Brunelleschi.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is built as a “basilica”, with a nave and two aisles, forming a Roman cross. The nave is divided into four square bays and the aisles are separated by wide pointed arches with composite pilasters.
Many decorations in the church have been lost or have been transferred to the famous Museum Opera del Duomo. For example the “pulpits” of Luca della Robbia and Donatello.
Talking about the façade, the original one was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio and attributed to Giotto.