Florence’s Duomo, or cathedral, completed in 1466 after 170 years of work and its domed roof is symbolic of the meeting of Renaissance craft and culture. Engineered by the architect and sculptor Filippo Brunelleschi (1377-1446), using specially invented machines, the cupola (dome) was one of the greatest achievements of the Italian Renaissance. Its octagonal form has a diameter of 46.5m (153ft) at the base, and was completed in 1434; it is possible to climb to the top of the dome for magnificent views over the city. The vast interior boasts frescoes by Renaissance masters such as Paolo Uccello and Andrea del Castagno, as well as a monument to the poet Dante and his Divina Commedia (Divine Comedy). The nearby campanile (bell tower) is decorated inside with frescoes and statues by Giotto and Donatello, amongst others.

Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore, Via della Canonica 1, 50122 Florence, Italy
Tel: (055) 230 2885
Website: www.operaduomo.firenze.it

Air: Amerigo Vespucci Airport (Florence), Galileo Galilei Airport (Pisa). Rail: Train: Firenze Santa Maria Novella Station (Florence). Road: Bus: Public services. Car: A1 (from Milan, Bologna, Rome or Naples); A11 (from Pisa, Lucca, Prato or Siena).

Italy, Florence