The interior of the Florence Duomo is quite sparse compared to its lavish exterior and many of the sculptures which adorned it are now seen in the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo. Works that still remain in the Duomo are the lunettes by Luca Della Robbia over the doors of the Sacristy, the bronze door of the mass Sacristy, the wooden inlays of the Sacristy cupboards designed by Brunelleschi, Antonio del Pollaiolo among others and the Pietà by Michelangelo. Also in the northern aisle, there is a painting of Dante by Domenico di Michelino. Near the entrance of the Duomo a stairway leads to the crypt where there are parts of the 5th Century Basilica di Santa Reparata and Brunelleschi’s tomb.

A visit to the Florence Duomo should also include a visit to the Dome, the Campanile di Giotto and the baptistery, which are beside it.

Florence Duomo Dome

Construction on the Florence Duomo Dome was started in 1420 by Brunelleschi, who invented a new method of building, creating the Florence Dome as a self-supporting form. It is an incredible achievement of design and has become to characterise the Florentine skyline. The interior of the Duomo is decorated with a huge Fresco of the Last Judgement by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari.

Florence Duomo Campanile di Giotto

Beside the Florence Duomo is Campanile Di Giotto (bell tower). It was started by Giotto and completed by Andrea Pisano and Francesco Talenti. Giotto designed the lower bas-reliefs of the tower before dying, such as the Creation of Man and the Arts and Industries. There is a great view of the city from the top but the 82m climb is not recommended for people with heart problems.

Florence Duomo Baptistry

The Romanesque Baptistry is one of the oldest buildings in Florence, dating back to the 5th century, Dante was baptised here. The present façade dates back to the 11th century, with stripes of white and green marble surrounding its most famous gilded bronze doors, especially the ones facing the Duomo called the Gates of Paradise by Lorenzo Ghiberti. The southern doors were done by Pisano while the northern ones were done again by Ghiberti. Most of the doors are copies however, with the originals being restored and placed in the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo.

Basilica di Santa Croce Florence

The Basilica di Santa Croce was started on the site of a Franciscan chapel in 1294 and the façade and bell tower were added in the 19th century. Many have been over whelmed by the beauty of Basiclica di Santa Croce, who was built by Arnolfo di Cambio, who also constructed the Duomo. Many of Italy’s gifted men are buried here such as Michelangelo, (whose tomb was designed by Vasari) Galileo, Machiavelli, Rossini, Ghiberti and a cenotaph to Dante.

The interior is austere, with some highlights such as the Cappella Castellani, with fresco’s by Agnolo Gaddi (he also painted fresco’s on the alter), Cappella Baroncelli with fresco’s by Taddeo Gaddi while the Cappella Bardi and Peruzzi are covered with fresco’s by Giotto. Also in the Cappella Bardi there is a Cruxifix by Donatello. The basilica has a museum called the Museo dell’Opera di Santa Croce. Outside, in the Cloisters, there is the Cappella dei Pazzi, designed by Bruneleschi in 1430, which is considered a masterpiece of Renaissance Architecture.

Basilica di Santa Maria Novella Florence

The Florence Santa Maria Novella was built by Leon Battista Alberti in 1470. Its classical pediments, zebra-striped facade and gothic arches make for one of Florence’s most dramatic and fascinating facades. This Basilica di Santa Maria Novella, along with Basilica di Santa Croce, is one of the most important in Florence. There are Fresco’s of the Virgin Mary and St John the Baptist by Ghirlandaio and the Trinity by Masaccio. The Cappella di Filippo Strozzi to the right of the choir has fresco’s by Filippino Lippi and Domenico Ghirlandaio. In the Cappella Gondi to the left of the choir has a crucifix by Brunelleschi. The Cloisters have some of the best fresco’s in the city.

In Chiostro Verde (Green Cloister) there is a fresco by Paolo Uccello, while the Cappellone deglie Spagnoli (Spanish Chapel) has fresco’s by Andrea di Bonaiuto.

Basilica di San Lorenzo Florence

The Basilica di San Lorenzo is considered one of the most harmonious pieces of Renaissance architecture. It was built by Brunelleschi, on the site of a 4th century basilica and commissioned by the Medici’s. They used it as their parish church and many family members were buried there in the adjoining Chapelle medicee. Inside the Basilica there are two pulpits built by Donatello and the Annunciation by Fra Filippo Lippi.

Useful Information and Links:

Florence Duomo
Piazza del Duomo
Tel: + 39 055 230 2885.
Open: Monday to Wednesday and Friday 10:00-17:00h, Thursday 10:00-15:30h, Saturday 10:00-16:45h, Sunday 13:30-16:45h.

Florence Duomo Dome
Open: Monday to Friday 08:30-19:00h, Saturday 08:30-17:40h (first Saturday of each month 08:30-16:00h).

Florence Duomo Campanile di Giotto
Open: 08:30-19:00h daily (April to October) and 09:00-16:30h daily (November to March).

Florence Duomo Baptistery
Piazza di San Giovanni
Open: Monday to Saturday 12:00-19:00h and Sunday 08:30-14:00h.

Basilica di Santa Croce Florence
Piazza Santa Croce
Tel: + 39 055 244 619.
Transport: Bus 14 or 23.
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 0930-1730, Sun 1300-1730.

Basilica di San Lorenzo Florence
Piazza San Lorenzo
50123 Florence
Tel: + 39 055 216 634
Open: 07:00-12:00h, 15:30-18:30h daily

Basilica di Santa Maria Novella Florence
Piazza Santa Maria Novella
Tel: + 39 055 215 918.
Open: Monday to Thursday and Saturday 09:30-17:00h, Friday and Sunday 13:00-17:00h.