| The Duomo / Campanile & Baptistry tips and photos posted by real travelers and Florence locals. • 650 Photos
• 380 Reviews
See all Florence Things To Do |
 | Florence The Duomo / Campanile & Baptistry Reviews | 31 - 40 of 380 |  |
When you are inside the fabulous Florence Cathedral, wander down to the far end and look up!
The inside of the huge Dome is covered with frescoes depicting what appears to be Heaven and Hell.
It is pretty spectacular......though some of the images are a bit gross!
If you decide to climb to the outside-top of the Dome, half way through the climb you will pop out and find yourself up near the top of the inner Dome, where you can get a much better look at the frescoes. Leave a Comment
|
Visiting Florence?
Read reviews about Florence Hotels
Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.
The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore or otherwise known as the Duomo, was begun in 1296 in accordance with the designs of Arnolfo di Cambio and completed in 1436 by the crowning of its magnificent dome.
After winning an architectural competition in 1419 against Lorenzo Ghilberti (and supported by Cosimo de Medici), Filippo Brunelleschi began constructing his dome in 1420 and completed it in 1436. It was the first octagonal dome in history and to this day remains the largest brick dome in the world. Details of its construction are retold in the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo and would entertain any architectural amateur such as myself.
Although one’s eyes are immediately drawn to the dome, as one approaches the cathedral, the carnivalesque delight that is the façade quickly becomes apparent. Interestingly enough, the façade had remained unadorned for much of its history even though Giotto had drawn up plans for its decoration. It wasn’t until the nineteenth century when Emilio de Fabris began resurfacing the front of the church in neo-gothic style using the same white, green and red marble to be found on the rest of the cathedral. Begun in 1876 and finished in 1887, it is concentrated to the Theotokos.
When one enters the Duomo, one is struck by its surprising starkness. The greatest exception is the vast fresco of The Last Judgement, begun by Vasari in 1568 and finished by Zuccaro in 1579 which adorns the interior of Brunelleschi’s dome. Also noteworthy are the sporadic frescos and large clock decorated by Paolo Uccello.
Of course a cathedral cannot be complete without its campanile or bell-tower, Florence’s Duomo has had the fortune of being bestowed one by Giotto. I was surprised to discover that the artist, so universally recognised as a master of the art of fresco painting, was also a recognised medieval architect. It’s incredible to see how he was able to transfer his sense of pastel beauty to a much colder medium, that of marble. Nonetheless, his white, green and red marbled masterpiece standing 84.7 m. (or 277.9 ft.), built from 1334 to 1359, and interwoven with lozenges and niches, stands as a proud achievement of this great artist.
Entrance into the Duomo is free, but to climb the stairs of the dome (as well as the Campanile) is €6.00. I very much loved my numerous visits to this cathedral (both as visitor and to attend mass). One cannot help but marvel at the engineering of the dome and the stark contrast between the exterior and the interior of the building. It is of course a must on any itinerary.
Opening hours: 10.00-17.00 (the first Saturday of every month 10.00-15.30); Thursday 10.00-15.30
Holidays and Sundays: 13.30-17.00
Free admission Leave a Comment Address: Piazza del Duomo, heart of Florence
|
 | |  |
 by m-joyLeave a Comment Directions: Piazza San Giovanni
|
 the Duomo and Campanile by vivalasteph
Marvel at the enormous dome, built with fingers crossed in the 15th century, after the architect won a competition, defeating Ghiberti, whose bronze doors adorn the Baptistry opposite the front doors.
|
 "The Last Judgement" Vasari &
Zuccari-Dumo dome by bpwilletLeave a Comment Address: Duomo, Piazza Duomo
|
Visiting Florence?
Read reviews about Florence Hotels
Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.
 by m-joy
Price: 6 Euro Leave a Comment
|
 Il Duomo seen from Piazza
Michelangelo by Henrik_rrb, 4 more photos
Il Duomo, or as it's really called, Santa Maria del Fiori, was built in 1294, on the top of the old cathedral, Santa Reparata.
It took 170 years, but finally the new Cathedral was in place. It was by the way designed by Brunelleschi, for those of you who might be interested in that.
The piazza in front of the Duomo is always crowded with people. For some reason everyone seems to decide that they will meet right there! Quite stupid if you ask me... Although I have done the same stupid mistake me too...
I directly fell in love with the Duomo on my first visit in Florence. The pink color that goes through the whole building catched me in some way (don't want to think of what that might mean...? ;) ). When I, on my second visit to the city, finally had the time to enter the cathedral too, I got instead very disappointed. I had hoped it would be something like the Duomo in Milano, but nothing like that.
That thing that made me sad most of all, I think, was that there wasn't even candles that you could light up, and think of those you had left home on the trip.
Still the Duomo is fantastic, and I still haven't managed to climb those 463 steps that takes you to the top (as I, as always, haven't found the entrance for that... Could someone please give me a map next time...?), and I always go there on my Florence-trips.
For those of you who likes to take photos when you're away, bring a special camera... The cathedral is so big, and the piazza is so small, that it's almost impossible to get the whole building to fit in just one photo...
See my updates in my next tip, as this apparently was too long for VT... ;) Leave a Comment Directions: Quite close to the main trainstation. Just look up and you'll see the tower. Just follow it, you can't miss it.
|
| | |
 Giotto's Belltower by rexvaughanLeave a Comment Address: Piazza Giovanni
|
The Duomo is said to be the centrepiece of the Florentine city, towering above all over buildings. And it's true-- though I think I speak for many tourists when I say that the exterior rather than the interior provides a greater source of fascination. After the stunning greeting by the facade, the interior is compartively simpler and somewhat of a letdown. In fact, many other smaller churches prove to be more fascinating in their interior decor.
At first sight, the structure can only be described as overwhelming-- in size, in build and in detail. To fully take it all in, I dare say you will need the better of an hour just spent craning your neck and exploring every motif and floral pattern that bedecks this jewel. And that's just one hour for the FRONT of the the Duomo. To take it all in, you will not only need time, but stamina and a true art aficionado's passion. In fact, judging by the size of its perimeters, it could be fashioned into a make-shift running track, should you find the need to exercise during your trip here.
Yes. It is that big.
For a panoramic view of the city, pay and climb the Duomo's dizzying tower.
IN A NUTSHELL: If you're short on cash, save the entrance fee as the exterior is a good deal more elaborate and rewarding than what's inside. Leave a Comment
|
| | |
It cost 6 euro for both climbs. I knew exactly which one - neither. I don't like heights. We had been talking to two young American girls in the restaurant the night before and they had climbed the Duomo. It sounded fascinating - you get a close up look at the painting in the dome - but the climb seemed quite claustrophobic and vertiginous - and I'm thinking no thanks.
So Matt set off to climb the pretty tower. All pink and white and green and glistening like a sugar cake. He found it easy enough to do. The bells started ringing while he was half way up but he said the noise didn't knock you around. And there is a little man way up the top - I suppose he rings for the ambulance if someone has a heart attack and stops people jumping or writing graffiti. Matt was thinking poor thing - he has to climb up every day. Let alone toilet breaks. Unless he has a bucket.
Anyway you pays your 6 euro, you climbs the tower, you looks at the view and then you climbs down. Then you've deserved a sit down coffee. Leave a Comment
|
| | |
|
- Hotel Emma
Via A. Pacinotti, 20, Florence - Hotel Centrale Dimora Storica
Via dei Conti 3 (Formerly "Hotel Centrale Firenze"), Florence - Casa Di Barbano
Via di Barbano n.1, Florence - Soggiorno Primavera
Via Peri 2, Florence - Albergo Il Cavallo
Viale Repubblica 7 Barberino di Mugello, Florence - Berchielli
Lungarno Acciaiuoli 14, Florence - Tourist House Ghiberti
Via Bufalini 1, Florence - Residence Michelangiolo
Viale Michelangiolo, 21, Florence - Hotel Liberty
Viale Michelangelo 40, Florence - Sheraton Firenze Hotel
Via Giovanni Agnelli 33, Florence - Novotel Firenze Nord Aeroporto
Via Tevere 23 Zi Osmannoro, Florence - Sonesta Relais Villa Tavolese
221 Marcialla 50020 Marcialla (Firenze), Florence - Giglio
Via Cavour 85, Florence - Hotel Demidoff
Via della Lupaia 1556 Pratolino, Florence - Lido
Via Del Ghirlandaio, 1, Florence
|
