History of Duomo Florence | Santa Reparta to Building of the Brunelleschi's Dome
Detailed History of Florence Duomo
The Site
The Duomo Florence was built on the site of the seventh-century church of Santa Reparata. The building, having been found in the early 5th century, had gone through several repairs and had deteriorated over the years. Given that the cathedral was no longer large enough to serve the growing population, the city decided to build a new church.
Constructing the Basilica
Construction of the Duomo Florence started in 1296 and was completed by the 14th century. At the time, the plan was to create a cathedral so impressive that it would showcase the power and status of the city. When the construction of Duomo Florence first started, the cathedral was designed in a typical Florentine Gothic style. After Brunelleschi took over the reins of construction, the architecture of Duomo Florence became more Renaissance style.
Brunelleschi Builds the Dome
Filippo Brunelleschi was awarded the project of constructing a dome for Duomo Florence. Brunelleschi envisioned a Renaissance-style dome and initially, his idea was not embraced since it was a novel concept that involved many engineering challenges. Eventually, his plan was accepted, and the construction of the dome started in 1420. It took 16 years to complete the construction of the dome.
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The Bronze Ball Falls
A bronze gilded ball of 2.3 diameters with a cross on top was placed at the top of the dome to complete it. On 27 January,1601, during a raging thunderstorm, a lighting struck the ball, detaching it from the structure. It rolled down and fell in the middle of the square. A year after the incident, thanks to goldsmith Matteo Manetti, the ball was restored. In order to commemorate the event, a marble plaque has been placed in the square marking the exact location the ball was found.
Cracking of the Dome
Almost immediately after the dome was constructed, cracks started to appear in it. Since 1989, four fissures that run from the top of the dome to the church foundations have been observed. This startling discovery prompted three hundred monitoring devices to be attached to the dome of the Duomo Florence, making it the most carefully monitored structure during that time.
In 1934, Pier Luigi Nervi discovered that the cracks in the dome of the Duomo Florence opened and closed with the season. During winters, when the dome’s stone and bricks contract the cracks widen. During summers, as the material expands, the cracks in the dome get closed.
Duomo Florence and Renaissance Architecture
Topped with its famous red-tiled dome, the Duomo Florence towers above the city of Florence. Constructed in a Florentine Gothic and Renaissance architectural style, the Duomo Florence is one of the largest cathedrals in the world.
The Duomo Florence is considered to be the largest masonry structure in the world. Over four million bricks weighing more than forty thousand tonnes were used to construct the cathedral as per the designs submitted by Arnolfo di Cambio in 1296.
Discovery of the Santa Reparata
An archaeological excavation beneath the Duomo Florence from 1965 to 1973, led to the discovery of the remains of the Santa Reparata — the most tangible evidence of early Christianity in Florence.
One of the major complexes of early Christianity in the Tuscia region, Santa Reparata's importance was accentuated due to its proximity to the baptistry. It is believed that the foundation of the Santa Reparata was laid as a result of a vow that was made after the victory of the Christians over Radagaisus, King of the Goths, around 405 AD.
The church suffered extensive damage during the war between the Goths and the Byzantines, owing to which it was rebuilt during the Carolingian times. After this, the Santa Reparata was eventually demolished to make way for the present Duomo in Florence.
Restoration and Preservation
Restorations on the Duomo Florence started in September 2021 and have now been completed. Extensive restoration and preservation works were carried out on the Porta Dei Cornacchini of Duomo Florence.
The Porta doorway located on the north side of the nave of the Duomo and its surrounding sculptures underwent a series of works. Since the marble of the lion sculpture was severely damaged, they had to go through a rigorous and intense restoration process.
During the restorative works, extensive traces of color were found on the 1359-1360 sculpture of Madonna with Child and Adoring Angels that is situated directly above the door. This extensive damage can be attributed to natural degradation and previous restoration interventions. Investigations of the sculptures at the Duomo Florence revealed that a layer of brown oxalate was in touch with the marble sculptures, which was further covered by a coating of fluorosilicates, in the 1950s. The brown layer was protective and played a significant role in maintaining and preserving the marble sculpture at the cathedral.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Duomo Florence History
A. Construction of the Duomo Florence began in 1296 and was completed by 1436.
A. Duomo Florence is around 600 years old.
A. It took around two centuries, that is two hundred years, to build Duomo Florence.
A. The Duomo Florence is one of the most exemplary examples of Goth and Italian Renaissance architecture. To date, architects still study Duomo Florence to understand the Renaissance period.
A. The red-tiled and octagonal-shaped dome of the Florence Cathedral was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi.
A. The Florence Cathedral was built on the site of the seventh-century Santa Reparata Church, which is believed to be one of the earliest Christian churches in the world. Even today, the Florence Cathedral is believed to be one of the most important churches of Christianity.
A. Repeated restoration and preservation works have been carried out at the Florence Cathedral. The most recent preservation works of the Florence Cathedral include the restoration and preservation of the Porta Dei Cornacchini, the doorway located on the north side of the nave of the Florence Cathedral.
A. The Duomo Florence is located at Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy.
A. Duomo Florence is famous for its Gothic and Italian Renaissance architectural styles. The Duomo Florence is the fourth largest cathedral in the world and is considered to be one of the most important churches of Christianity.
A. A visit to Duomo Florence can cost you anywhere between €15-€46, depending on the type of ticket that you purchase.
A. Yes, there are guided tours that will tell you about Duomo Florence’s history. You can choose from the Florence Duomo Express Guided Tour and the Guided Tour of Florence Duomo with the Cupola Climb experience.
A. Yes, the Duomo Florence is a must-visit attraction in Florence! Duomo Florence is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Florence and should be on your itinerary. Not only is Duomo Florence known for its stunning Gothic and Italian Renaissance architectural style, but it is also one of the most important churches of Christianity in the world.
