Cathedral

When Faith meet Beauty in Florence's Cathedral
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Faith and Beauty Meet in Florence's Cathedral Square
Larger Than Life: Art that inspires us through the ages
BY EPOCH TIMES STAFF October 18, 2020 Updated: October 19, 2020
Italy’s Florence Cathedral, commonly known as the "Duomo," dominates Florence's skyline. Located in Cathedral Square, the cathedral complex also includes the Baptistery of St. John and Giotto’s Bell Tower—all are astounding examples of Renaissance art and architecture.
The buildings were decorated inside and out by the finest artists of the time, such as the sculptor Donatello and painter Giorgio Vasari whose depictions of illustrious people from secular or spiritual life inspire all who see them.


Florence's Duomo Took Time to Blossom Florence Cathedral, as it appears today, took nearly 140 years to complete.

Designed by architect Arnolfo di Cambio, the first stone of the Gothic cathedral was laid in 1296, on the day that Roman Catholics celebrate the birth of the Virgin Mary: Sept. 8. The date is particularly significant to the cathedral's founding as it was originally called Santa Maria del Fiore, or St. Mary of the Flower. The flower represents Christ in the Virgin Mary's womb.
Cambio's original design was altered and expanded over the years. And on Aug. 30, 1436, architect Filippo Brunelleschi finished the building when he crowned the cathedral with an astonishing octagonal dome about 108 feet high with no external support, an incredible engineering feat to this day.

The construction of the cathedral started in the late 13th century; the dome was added in the 15th century. (Giuseppe Mondi/Unsplash)
Image:Unsplash