History, features and fascinating facts about the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence (consecrated by Pope Eugene IV on 25 March 1436) currently ranks as the third largest in size, after St Peter’s Basilica in Rome and Milan Cathedral. However, at the time of its construction, it held the title of the largest cathedral in the world.

Building work began in 1296 and was completed roughly a century and a half later, in 1436, on the site of the former church of Santa Reparata.

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore: construction and architectural features

The construction of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore was commissioned by the Florentine Signoria and initially entrusted to the Italian architect and urban planner Arnolfo di Cambio, who was the first of several key figures to contribute to the grand project. Over time, the works were interrupted on several occasions, only to be resumed by other prominent architects: Giotto, who focused primarily on the bell tower; Francesco Talenti, who completed it in 1349; and Giovanni di Lapo Ghini.

Measuring 153 metres in length, 90 metres wide at the transept, and reaching a height of 92 metres from the floor to the lantern, the Cathedral is composed of several architectural elements of great significance:

• An octagonal dome, the largest ever built in masonry and the first major feat of Renaissance architecture;
• A panoramic terrace located at the base of the dome’s lantern, 90 metres above the ground;
• A basilica floor plan with three naves that lead into the presbytery area;
• A presbytery from which three apses radiate, each consisting of five chapels arranged in a fan-like layout.

To this already impressive structure, one must add that the dome itself was completed by Filippo Brunelleschi (a landmark achievement in architectural history) while the current façade, dating from 1887, was designed by Emilio De Fabris in polychrome marble, reflecting the Italian neo-Gothic style and replacing the late 17th-century decorations that had previously adorned the front of the building.

Along the cathedral’s side walls are four elegant mullioned windows, eight circular windows, and four monumental portals, each richly decorated with sculptures and ornamental details.

Brunelleschi’s contribution

Two public competitions were launched for the construction of the dome and the lantern of Florence’s Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, both of which were won by Filippo Brunelleschi.

Brunelleschi secured the commission for the dome thanks to his groundbreaking proposal for a self-supporting structure featuring a double shell, built using an innovative herringbone brick pattern that would enhance the dome’s overall stability.

As for the lantern, construction began in 1446 but was completed by Michelozzo in 1461, following Brunelleschi’s death.

Florence and its Cathedral

During the 14th century, Florence entered one of the most prosperous periods in its history. As the city flourished, the need arose to expand certain areas and reimagine parts of its urban structure. A number of ambitious planning projects were proposed, including:

• the creation of what is now Piazza della Signoria;
• the enlargement of the city walls;
• and the construction of a new cathedral, designed to surpass in size those of Siena and Pisa, two of Florence’s principal rival cities.

Piazza del Duomo, 50122: this is where the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore stands today.

Article translated by Agnese Giardini

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