Duomo di Firenze – The Cathedral of Florence

The Duomo di Firenze is one of the most frequented and popular tourist sites in Florence. The structure was built in the 1400s and the numerous works of art decorating the internal walls were executed in the 1500s. The most complete collection of stained glass from the 14th and 15th centuries is found in the Duomo di Firenze.

For many years we had a store just up the street from piazza Duomo. From Corso Cavour entering the piazza it is impossible to just walk by. Even from several hundreds yards across the piazza the beauty and artisan workmanship of the great masters is striking. From that distance the finite details are not evident but the harmonious lines and colors inspire a sense of awe. The list of master painters, architects, sculptures and stained glass artisans is impressive. Brunelleschi, Giotto, Ghirlandaio, Vasari, Zuccari and Bandinelli are just a few of the renaissance artists contributing to this massive accumulation of art and culture.

Visiting the Duomo di Firenze, the Battistero and the Torre di Giotto should not be attempted in one day. Even a most superficial walk through of each building will take several hours and will not allow time to absorb the beautiful subtleties of these masterpieces. I would split over two days the visits and definitely avoid the weekends. There is just so much to see that one can easily be overwhelmed. A guided tour of each of the buildings is the best way to go. Split the visits between two days and try to arrange a visit to the tower in evening. The view is magnificent.

The official site of the Duomo di Firenze is a great source of additional information although it does tend toward the religious side of things.

Tags: Brunelleschi Cathedrals Giotto Italian Museums Florence Tuscany Art and Culture Renaissance Travel Italy