Highlights of Florence Cathedral Interior, a Photo Essay

Think of Italy’s Florence skyline – Florence Cathedral stands out, dominant and graceful. The first thing we did in Florence was head to Cathedral Square to see this gem of medieval architecture standing close to Baptistery of St. John and Giotto’s Bell Tower.

Upset with nearby towns having large cathedrals, the leaders of Florence in 13th century decided to make the biggest cathedral of that era. Construction of this ambitious plan began in 1296. Today Florence cathedral is ranked 4^th in world in terms of size. It is the main tourist attraction of Florence city.

Twenty one days in Italy and I feel blessed to have been able to visit twenty two churches (big and small) there, Florence Duomo is one of the most beautiful one among them. The memories that I have brought back from there is immensely sweet and my photographs transport me back virtually to the same place, same date and time every time I see them.

Facade of Florence Cathedral is adorned with lovely combinations of 3 colorful marble in various geometric patterns and designs. I bet you too will find the exteriors of Florence cathedral more impressive than its interior.

History of Colorful Facade of Florence Cathedral

The first stone facade of Florence Duomo was laid in Sept 1296. Over the years the facade has undergone modifications and renovations, the last one was done in 1863. The facade was reclad with a decorative mix of green, white and pink marble.

Intricate patterns and designs with the different colors command attention. Don’t be mistaken, the facade of Florence Cathedral, nearby bell tower and baptistery is NOT painted. Sharing with you some of the pictures here.

It is said that Italian builders exhibited little concern for the facades of their churches, and dozens remain unfinished to this day. One reason for this may be that the facades were not conceived as integral parts of the structures, but rather as screens that could be added to the fabric at any time.

The colored marbles were sourced from different quarries around Florence. The stunning white marble was brought in from Carrara, north of Tuscany. The marble here was so popular then; even Michelangelo used Carrara marble for his statues. Green marble sourced from Prato and pink/red marble from Siena, 100km south of Florence.

This is above the main door of Florence Cathedral

This is just above the right door of the Florence Cathedral.

floral pattern with colorful marbles

Such exemplary craftsmanship, it seemed as if they could twist stone like ropes.

Other names: The first stone of this grand Gothic cathedral was laid in Sept 8, 1296. Roman Catholics celebrate the birth of the Virgin Mary on 8^th September. It was originally called Santa Maria del Fiore, or St. Mary of the Flower. The flower represents Christ in the Virgin Mary’s womb.

Octagonal Dome: It was completed on Aug. 30, 1436. Architect Filippo Brunelleschi crowned the Duomo with an octagonal dome about 108 feet high with no external support. It is one of the rarest of rare feats by engineers of medieval era in Italy.

Multi colored marble panels – mix of pink, green and white.

A window of Florence duomo.

Best Time to Visit Florence Cathedral

Morning hours are the best time to visit the cathedral for obvious reasons like less tourist crowd and the facade bathed in golden rays of the rising sun.

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You kind of get a lost feeling wandering in the interior of Florence cathedral. The high arches gives an impression of emptiness even though it is crowded inside.

Interior of Florence Cathedral

In terms of architectural beauty the facade of Florence cathedral is grander than its interior. Yet there is a lot to see. In the huge interior of Florence Cathedral I roamed around, once more lost, just like I was lost in the Milan’s Cathedral and Bologna’s Cathedral.  Each silent corner, the windows, the statues and even the walls seemed to be telling a tale.

All these sculptures, mosaics, frescoes and other artworks, attributed to hard work of many famous Florence artisans.

Florence Duomo Interior

The crucifix behind the alter is by Maiano.

Thankfully, photography was permitted here, and the photographers’ tribe went click, click. Take a virtual tour of the elegant interiors of Florence Cathedral. Sharing some of the pictures here…

Bronze Doors of Florence Cathedral

Notice the bronze doors at the entrance of Florence Cathedral. Only one of those 3 majestic green bronze doors is open. Pause at them either before entering or during exit even if you are in a hurry. They feature scenes of the life of the Madonna. The details are so well depicted.

Fresco in Dome of Florence Duomo

(Duomo is an Italian word for cathedral.) Most stunning art in Florence Cathedral is the fresco, The Last Judgement, painted inside the dome. It was designed by Giorgio Vasari. It is said that while Vasari created the design of the fresco, a good portion of it was painted by one of his students. This large scene was completed in 1579.

Ceiling of Florence Cathedral – Images of The Last Judgment (detail) under the dome.

24-hour Liturgical Clock

The clock above the entrance was designed in 1443 by Paolo Uccello. Uniqueness of this clock is that the 24th hour of the day ended at sunset. Paolo Uccello painted it with quadrant and medallions in 1443. Surprisingly it works even today. It has only one hand that rotates anti-clockwise like the ancient sundial! At the 4 corners of the clock there are portraits of 4 prophets of that era.

Stained Glass Windows of Florence Duomo

44 stained glass windows illuminate the nave and the bell tower. These classy windows are attributed to artists Donatello, Lorenzo Ghiberti, Uccello, Adrea Del Castagno and Gaddo Gaddi.

Floor of Florence Cathedral

The marbled floor, the pattern looked 3D. This marble flooring design is said to be the work of Baccio d’Agnolo and Francesco da Sangallo.

No Tickets required to enter Florence Duomo

While the entry to interior of Florence Cathedral is free, there is usually a long queue. Try and come a little early. Who wants to waste time standing in queues in this beautiful city.

This post was first written in this blog on 3rd Nov 2010.

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