Florence - Piazza del Duomo

 The Piazza del Duomo, Cathedral Square, is the heart of the historic center of Florence. It contains the Florence Cathedral, the Baptistery of Saint John and the Giotto Belltower.

Piazza del Duomo

Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower dominates the skyline of the city of Florence. 

Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore

Construction of the cathedral began in 1296, the main structure being built by 1420. Work on the dome began in 1420 and was completed in 1436. The cathedral was consecrated by Pope Eugene IV on 25 March 1436. 

Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore 1895

The white, green and red marble  façade is relatively modern. It was added from 1876 to 1887, the main portal with it's three bronze doors was added between 1899 and 1903. 

Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore

Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore
Main Portal

Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore
Main door

The Battistero di San Giovanni, Baptistery of Saint John, situated adjacent to the Santa Maria del Fiore is one of the oldest buildings in the city, constructed between 1059 and 1128.

Battistero di San Giovanni

Also adjacent to the Santa Maria del Fiore is the Giotto's Campanile, a free standing bell tower. The 14.45 metre square,  84.7 metres tall structure was built between 1334 and 1356. 

Giotto's Campanile

Giotto's Campanile IJ