The Cathedral of Florence, the Duomo or Santa Maria del Fiore (Saint Mary of the Flower), is one of the biggest churches in the world and was begun in 1296. This Gothic Cathedral took almost 150 years to build and is still today an active church. I don’t know about you, but I cannot stop admiring and wondering how it was possible to lay out such a beautiful religious construction. How come Florence felt the need to erect a church of this size and why are the baptistery and the bell tower built separately? Join this fascinating tour and you’ll get the answer to these questions and many others.
We visit the Cathedral which, unlike the elegant façade, appears very clean and severe when you get inside. There are thus some interesting details to point out such as the clock (still working) and the incredible fresco of the dome which was carried out by Giorgio Vasari and his workshop in the second half of the 16th century.
I’ll take you to the museum of the Cathedral, Museo dell’Opera del Duomo
Here we’ll enjoy Michelangelo’s second Pietà, which the artist prepared for his own grave. We’ll contemplate the three original gates for the Baptistery, including the famous Gates of Paradise by Lorenzo Ghiberti, the silver altar from the Baptistery, the panels of the Bell Tower and learn how Filippo Brunelleschi managed to close the Dome.
Together we also visit the Baptistery, which Dante called “my beautiful St. John”, in order to admire the stunning floor and the gold mosaic which decorates the vault.
Depending on your ticket there is also the possibility of climbing Brunelleschi’s Dome and/or Giotto’s Bell Tower. Obviously without elevator and “only”463 steps to the top of the Dome or 414 steps in the case of the Bell Tower. Whatever you choose I promise you’ll be rewarded with the most spectacular view of Florence.
Please notice that the whole religious complex is still active and might have reduced access or be closed for religious holidays and ceremonies.
