Until 1293 Santa Reparta was the primary cathedral in the Florentine Republic. It was suggested by Ser Mino de Cantoribus that a larger, more beautiful cathedral be built. The people of Florence were required to pitch in financially. All last wills and testaments were imposed a tax that was put in the construction fund. Arnolfo di Cambio was asked to design this cathedral in 1294 and by 1296 the first stone was laid. The Duomo of Florence is the spectacular result of almost six hundred years of hard work. The cupola built during the Renaissance period is the grandest architectural feature in Tuscany. There were endless debates, stretching over several years, amongst the Florentines regarding the design of the cupola until Filippo Brunelleschi’s architectural genius came up with an exquisite design. His design was so impressive that Michelangelo took it as an inspiration while designing St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Work on the cathedral spanned from the 13th until the façade was finally completed in the late 19th century.

The Cupola

Francesco Talenti modified Arnolfo’s original design for the duomo. The problem with Talenti’s design was that there was no way to construct a rood for the chancel, while Arnolfo had planned for a low cupola. After spending some time in Rome, Arnolfo returned to execute his designs. There were no means to construct his massive roof using wooden scaffolding until Brunelleschi came up with a solution. The architectural and mathematical genius suggested a technique of double walling used by the ancient Romans by constructing a drum above the chancel. His final design was used to construct a 91 meters high double cupola made of brick. Construction was completed in 1434. The final structure is self-supporting and while its exterior appears to be larger than the interior the pointed arch is actually constructed to perfection.

A lantern was added on top of the cupola in 1436 but its decoration wasn’t completed until 1446. Soon after Arnolfo died. A copper sphere was added on top of the lantern in 1474. One of Leonardo da Vinci’s machines was used to place the sphere. In 1600 it was struck by lightning that caused it to fall. A bigger one replaced it two years later. A marble plaque behind the duomo commemorates the falling of the sphere. You can climb up to the top of the cupola. 463 stairs are built to take you there. Although this is tiring it will be worth the effort to see how magnificent this 600-year-old cupola is. It is also a fabulous place to get a bird’s eye view of the city of Florence. Make sure you stop to see Vasari and Zucchari’s fresco of the Last Judgement on your way up.

Plans for a gallery around the drum were made. Baccio d’Agnolo designed the octagonal balustrade but only one of the eight sides was completed due to the disapproval of Michelangelo.

The Façade

The façade as is seen today was not part of the original designs to the cathedral. Arnolfo originally designed it but his plans were never executed as he died in 1302. Nothing was done for another five centuries until Emilio de Fabris drew out new plans and construction was completed between 1876 and 1886. It was influenced by the Gothic style of architecture and is made of green, white and red marble with statues, rose windows and mosaics. Although not as beautiful as the rest of the cathedral it majestic enough to stand beside the cathedral, the bell tower and the baptistery. Local families, a tribute to whom is paid through the coat of arms in the lower part, funded it.

Inside, the first three statues of the Mother of God reinstate the Gothic style in which the façade is built. There were other noteworthy statues inside that were designed similarly. These are at the Louvre today and include St. Lawrence by Giovanni Tedesco and St. Stephen by Piero di Giovanni Tedesco. Replicas are on display inside the façade.

Other important statues are the marble statues found in the four niches. These commissions of the Evangelists were undertaken between 1408 and 1415 and include Lamberti’s St. Mark, Ciuffagni’s St. Matther, Banco’s St. Luke and Donatello’s St. John. You can find there on either side of the main entrance. Donatello’s St. Luke has a long torso and a crooked stance. The genius of the artist is evident has he invented an “optial correction” for the statue to look normal when view from below.

The Interior

Originally designed by Arnolfo and later completed by Talenti the interiors of this duomo are spectacular. There are several Gothic features including the huge vaults that make the central nave. Your eyes will be naturally guided to the cathedral’s spatial fulcrum. This is formed by the chancel and the cupola that is over it. The Cathedral was built in the shape of a Latin cross. It has naves that are 153 meters long by 38 meters wide, the cupola is 45 meters high and the transept 90 meters long. The marble flooring is said to have been the work of Baccio d'Agnolo and Francesco da Sangallo. Interestingly, when the cathedral was renovated after the 1966 flood it was noticed that Arnolfo’s original marbles for the façade were used on the floor. The naves are decorated with stained glass windows painted by Paolo Uccello, Donatello and Andrea del Castagno in the 15th century. These windows also help bring in a lot of light into the interiors of this cathedral.

The internal façade is also the oldest part of the church. Above the door is a mosaic by Gaddo Gaddi from the early 14th century. He also designed the mosaics in the baptistery. There is also a famous clock here. Paolo Uccello painted it with quadrant and medallions in 1443. Surprisingly it works even today. It has only one hand that rotates anti-clockwise like the ancient sundial! You must also look at the tastefully decorated tomb of Bishop d'Orso here.

Useful Link:
Private Tuscany vacations and Tuscany tours - Tuscany small group vacations, luxury tours, day trips designed.