Load more
The wonderful Piazza del Duomo is located in the very heart of the historical centre. The square is dominated by the massive building of the cathedral and by other buildings such as the Campanile di Giotto (the bell tower) and the Battistero di San Giovanni (the baptistry). The square is divided in two parts, with the cathedral on one side and the Battistero di San Giovanni on the other, by a hypothetical line which goes from Via de’ Martelli to Via Calzaiuoli. Il Duomo, the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, is the symbol of Florence and it’s the fifth biggest church of Europe, right after the cathedral of San Pietro in Rome, the cathedral of Saint Paul in London, the cathedral of Seville and the cathedral of Milan. Its length is about 153mt, while the base of the cupola is 54mt wide. Arnolfo di Cambio began its building in 1296, on the ruins of the ancient church of Santa Reparata. On the 25th of March 1436 it was finished and consecrated by Pope Eugenio IV. The Duomo rises in the very middle of the square and it is visible from every part of the city thanks to the majestic cupola of Brunelleschi, which is 114,5mt high. The piazza is a meeting point for millions of people from all over the world who visit Florence every year. It is always crowded and can be considered the most elegant part of the historical centre. From here one can reach the most important Florentine shopping streets, such as Via Roma and Via de’ Calzaiuoli, which goes right until the Ponte Vecchio crossing the city centre made up of Renaissance buildings, luxury hotels and fashion boutiques.