The church you can see nowadays was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio, the same architect of the church of Santa Croce and Palazzo Vecchio.
The original façade, designed by Arnolfo di Cambio and usually attributed to Giotto, was actually begun twenty years after Giotto's death. The three huge bronze doors date are adorned with scenes from the life of the Madonna.
The whole façade is dedicated to the Mother of Christ. The marble is all done in beautiful pink, white, and green. You will be amazed by the stunning beauty if this façade.
The Gothic interior is vast, the relative indoor bareness of the church corresponds with the austerity of religious life.
The Duomo's most distinctive feature is its enormous dome, which dominates the skyline and is a symbol of Florence itself. Grand Duke Cosimo I de' Medici decided to have the dome painted with a representation of The Last Judgment.
The raising of this dome, the largest in the world in its time, was due to the genius of Filippo Brunelleschi. You can climb up between the two shells of the cupola for one of the classic panoramas across the city.
It is a narrow stone passageway leading up to the top and there are frequent windows with sneak views over Florence. As you reach the top and step outside the views are astounding. You can see for miles into the Tuscan hills.
The red rooftops and the beautiful hills make it a climb worth every step. Just stay at the top for quite some time, just enjoying the great atmosphere. Besides, you will be rewarded by the close up view of the artwork on the ceiling.
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