Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Museum

Pictures of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and its Museum

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore: Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Opera del Duomo Museum: Piazza del Duomo, 9, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

The construction of the cathedral began in 1296, and it was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio. The project was later overseen by several architects, including Giotto and Francesco Talenti. The dome, one of the most significant architectural feats of its time, was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi.

Adjacent to the cathedral is Giotto’s Campanile, a free-standing bell tower designed by Giotto di Bondone. The tower is known for its richly decorated facade, featuring sculptures and reliefs.

Panoramic view

The inside

Looking at the backside

Down to the basement

Santa Reparata was the cathedral of Florence before the construction of the current cathedral began. The early cathedral was dedicated to Santa Reparata, a Christian martyr.

The original Santa Reparata Cathedral was located on the same site where the Florence Cathedral now stands in the Piazza del Duomo.

Santa Reparata’s construction likely started in the 4th or 5th century, making it one of the earliest Christian structures in Florence.

The Florence Baptistery, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, is also part of the cathedral complex. It is renowned for its bronze doors, including the famous “Gates of Paradise” by Lorenzo Ghiberti.

The actual door is in the Duomo’s Museum, and what you see here is a duplicate.

Inside the baptistery

The Duomo’s Museum, Opera del Duomo Museum

Originally commissioned as a set of doors for the Florence Baptistery, Ghiberti’s Doors were intended to adorn the east entrance of the Baptistery, facing the Florence Cathedral (Duomo).

Ghiberti worked on the doors for several decades. The first set of doors, known as the North Doors, was completed in 1424.

Ghiberti’s work on the doors is considered a key milestone in the development of Renaissance art. The naturalism, perspective, and depth in the relief sculptures are indicative of the artistic innovations of the time.

Donatello’s Magdalene Penitent: Another significant sculpture by Donatello, the Magdalene Penitent, is part of the museum’s collection. It portrays Mary Magdalene in a state of penance and reflection.

Michelangelo’s Pietà: The museum is home to the Bandini Pietà, a marble sculpture by Michelangelo. It’s also known as the Deposition and was originally intended for Michelangelo’s own tomb.

Cathedral Models: The museum features models and designs illustrating the construction and evolution of the Florence Cathedral, including Brunelleschi’s dome. These models provide insights into the architectural history of the cathedral.