Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Duomo, Campanile and Baptistry
1
Set in the heart of Florence, Santa Maria
del Fiore - the Duomo, or cathedral of
Florence - dominates the city with its
enormous dome. Its sheer size was typical of
Florentine determination to lead in all things,
and to this day, no other building stands taller
in the city. The Baptistry with its celebrated
doors
(see p66)
is one of Florence's oldest
buildings, dating perhaps to the 4th century.
In his capacity as city architect, Giotto
designed the Campanile in 1334; it was
completed in 1359, 22 years after his death.
The Campanile
At 85 m (276 ft), the
Campanile is 6 m
(20 ft) shorter than
the dome. It is clad
in white, green and
pink Tuscan marble.
Gothic windows
The Neo-Gothic
marble façade
echoes the style
of Giotto's
Campanile, but
was only added
in 1871-87.
.
Baptistry Ceiling
Colourful 13th-century mosaics
illustrating the Last Judgment are set
above the large octagonal font where
many famous Florentines, including
Dante, were baptized.
Main
entrance
The terracotta
panels
with bas-reliefs
are by Andrea Pisano.
Steps to Santa
Reparata
The crypt contains
the remains of the
4th-century church
of Santa Reparata,
demolished in 1296
to make way for the
cathedral.
South Doors
STAR FEATURES
.
Brunelleschi's
Dome
. Baptistry Ceiling
