Piazza del Duomo

travel wonder in Florene, Italy

Why the
Piazza del Duomo
in Florence is special

This building complex in a large piazza is in the heart of Old Florence. It comprises a superb collection of architectural treasures dating back to the 13th century. The three grand components of the Piazza del Duomo are:

Baptistry

Battistero in Italian.

See photo's foreground.

Cathedral

Duomo in Italian.

See church facade and

dome behind baptistry.

Belltower

Campanile in Italian.

See tower rising behind

the baptistry.

Baptistry

It is best known for Ghiberti's two gilded bronze doors. Both are sculptural masterpieces.

However, the ones on the door are replicas. The originals (like some artworks from the cathedral) were moved to the nearby Museum Opera del Duomo for conservation's sake. It's open to the public.

Cathedral

The Duomo was begun in 1296. Today, it (and particularly its dome) is the heartfelt symbol of Florence.

It is one of the world's largest cathedrals.

Brunelleschi's magnicient dome is nearly 600 years old and is almost as high as a modern 30-story building. It's open to the public. Both the climb (464 steep steps) and view (of the Piazza and Florence) are breathtaking.

The Duomo is relatively plain inside, strikingly ornate outside. I relish most the exterior design, but consider the front facade (which wasn't finished until the 19th century) to be overwrought and not in keeping with the artistic merits of the other Piazza del Duomo elements.

Belltower

Giotto's stand-alone Campanile dates back to the 1300s and soars 85 meters (280 feet).

You can climb its 414 steps to reach the top, which affords a dramatic eye-level view of the nearby Duomo's dome.

View my other gold,

silver & bronze medal

winners in Italy

My Italian

phrase guide

for travelers

What every visitor should know.

Italian cuisine guide

Vatican City

Note: Its wonders are not listed in my Italy Guide. Even though the Vatican lies within Rome, it is not part of it or Italy. It's an independent nation. Click to see its gold, silver and bronze medals,

I hope your Italy travel dreams come true - and that 

my Piazza del Duomo page helps you enjoy your vacation, tour or trip

©2008 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications