Florence's Duomo Site Features

In addition to its sheer grandness, the dome is also an architectural marvel. It was the very first dome to be constructed, at least in Italy, without the aid of any framework. There are two layers to the octagonal dome, an inner piece that spans 42 meters (almost 138 feet, or about half of a football field) across and an outer shell that provides an amazing external view in addition to protecting the inner dome from weather damage.

Both the domes were built parallel to one another on stone ribs that taper from nearly 7 feet thick at the dome's base to 5 feet at the top, where a stone compression ring brings the ribs together. There are tie rings, oak timbers, and metal connectors to help maintain the dome's stability.

Atop the dome is a bronze ball placed there by sculptor Andrea del Verrocchio and his young apprentice. del Verrocchio and his apprentice used a hoisting machine to raise the ball, a machine designed by Brunelleschi. The apprentice, Leonardo di Vinci, is often credited for this hoisting machine invention.

When you visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, you'll find it's much more than a pretty dome.

The Museo dell'Opera del Duomo (Cathedral Museum) offers visitors the opportunity to view statues that once decorated the cathedral. You'll also see some design documents and works of art by the project's creators and contributors throughout the centuries.

At the Mass Sacristy, there is a breathtaking bronze door, and above the doors of the main Sacristy, there are beautiful lunettes that artist Luca della Robbia created.

Famed painter Michelangelo contributed a piece called Pietà, though it occasionally is removed for other showings.

Santa Reparata, the Florentine cathedral The Duomo replaced, still exists as an archaeological site on the ground of The Duomo. You can therefore ake a walk through history of nearly a Millennium old.

There are 44 stained glass windows that create dancing lights along the marble floor of the cathedral. The windows and lights are marvelous.

Brunelleschi, the architect genius who was able to complete the dome, was buried in the cathedral, and his tomb is open to the public near the main cathedral entrance.