Brunelleschi's Dome

Standing tall over the city of Florence, Brunelleschi’s Dome is an architectural feat, the most prominent part of the Florence Cathedral, and a symbol of Florence itself. Located in the city's historic center, the cathedral complex that holds the dome is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The whole area is known to locals as the “Duomo” or dome, after the structure. Designed by Filippo Brunelleschi and completed in 1436, it took sixteen years to build. And at 45 meters wide, it is the single largest masonry dome in the world.
Brunelleschi came to the rescue when, after over 100 years of cathedral construction, there were plans for to add a dome but no idea how to erect one. He went against existing construction norms and resolved to build a dome without wooden scaffolding — one that would support itself as it was built. It was an engineering and design marvel at the time, and the fact that it still stands tall more than 600 years later is a testament to its masterpiece.

Practical Info

The exterior of the dome is visible from most of Florence. Don’t miss the interior of the dome, which is covered by 16th century frescoes depicting the ‘Final Judgment.’ You can visit the dome daily from 8:30 am to 6:20 pm, and can climb 463 steps to the top for panoramic views of the city. A ticket to the cathedral complex costs 10 euros.