The Dome of the Florence Cathedral

Florence Cathedral in the evening

What do you see? The Santa Maria del Fiore (Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower) or The Cathedral of Florence in The Piazza del Duomo is one of the most recognized buildings and piazzas in the world. The piazza includes the Florence Cathedral, Giotto’s Campanile (The Bell Tower), and the earliest building, the Baptistery. The octagonal dome, with its lantern and golden ball at the top, dominates the view. It is hard to move your eyes from the cupola but the golden orb and cross demand attention as they rest above the lantern and point skyward to the glory of God. 

Looking at the exterior, the inlay of different colored marbles (green, pink, and white) in neat geometrical design is unique to Tuscany. The graceful circular windows interrupt the repetitious geometric patterns beneath the dome and add to the power of the dome itself. The continuation of the circular windows provides interest in the long exterior of the nave. On the right of the image is the separate Campanile or Bell Tower. Just to the right of the Campanile is the Baptistery (see images below). Incorporated into the three buildings are three main styles:

• The Baptistery (1059 - 1128), is in the Florentine/Romanesque style, (perhaps, proto-Renaissance); architect(s) unknown.
• The Duomo (begun in 1296), inspired by contemporary French monastery construction is in Gothic/Tuscan style, first architect; Arnolfo di Cambio (and others, following his death), until Brunelleschi finished the dome beginning in 1420. The cathedral was consecrated in 1436 but the lantern, golden orb and cross had yet to be placed on the top of the dome.
• The Campanile (1334-1359) is in Florentine Gothic style; architect: Giotto (and others, following his death). The harmony and unity of these buildings has been coordinated by many architects, engineers, and workers over centuries. They are beautiful to behold on their own, yet they are filled with the art, sculptures, frescoes and artifacts from hundreds of craftsmen, artists, and artisans who respected the traditions of their own times but honored the parameters set out by Arnolfo di Cambio in the late 13th century as styles began to change from Romanesque/Byzantine, to the Gothic tradition that led up to the Renaissance architectural style. 

Definitions of Architectural Styles:                      

• Florentine Romanesque style: The Baptistery dedicated to San Giovanni is one example of the features of Roman and Byzantine architecture that influenced the structures in Tuscany from 1000-1200 AD. This is a strong, sturdy, octagonal structure with thick walls, small windows, and columns made in the form of stone drums to provide the necessary stability and support for walls, roof, and the vaulting above. Semi-circular arches are typical of this time period and demonstrate the growing influence of the Classical period once again. The Italian Florentine style, incorporated into the era, is characterized by more elaborate sculptural decoration inside and outside the church, and in the decorative arcades. Murals, frescoes, mosaics, metalwork, and sculptures grew in sophistication when compared to their Medieval beginnings. The outside of the building is clad in white Carrara and green Prato marbles. The geometric designs are the cornerstones of Florentine Romanesque style. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is another example of Romanesque style.

Florence Baptistery

Tower of Pisa

Piazza della Duomo

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