Cathedral of Florence

          The Cathedral of Florence is a typical Italian Gothic structure of the 13^th century, dedicated to Santa Maria del Fiore. The Cathedral locates at the Piazza del Duomo, Florence, Italy. It was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio around 1245- 1302. (1)It was finished around 1367; the main feature of the Cathedral of Florence’s exterior was the rich articulation of colored marble:  a shade of white from Carrara, green from Prato and red from Maremma. The beauties of the colors were also seen in the interior sides of aisles leading to nave, and on the domes. The exterior was also decorated with grand sculpted figures. While in the interior, there sits a famous clock painted in fresco by Paolo Uccello and the cathedral harbors many famous art pieces of some of the best artists of the day. The interior also have great stain glass windows that laminate the nave. (2)

            The Cathedral of Florence was built as a basilica, with a wide central nave of four square bays, and aisles on either side. The chancel and transepts hold identical polygonal plan, they are separated by two smaller polygonal chapels. As a result, the cathedral takes on a plan that forms a Latin cross.  (2)

             The dome part of the cathedral was left unfinished because back then no artisan seem to know how to build and finish the 150 feet diameter dome that begins at 180 feet above ground. Until a hot- tempered goldsmith named Filippo Brunelleschi appeared and came up with the idea of building a double layered dome. The double layering idea allows him to cut down the dead load and cut down building cost. Brunelleschi designed stone ribs that would hold the inner and outer walls together, he also use stone chains buried within masonry to stiffen the eight faces of the dome. In addition, he designed a brickwork herringbone pattern which ensures the great vault would support itself as ring work of brick were arranged to support the one below.   (3) Before constructing the dome, Brunelleschi had to solve the problem of carrying over weight material for the dome, so he invented systems of gears, pulleys, screws powered by cows to lift all the material. (4)

          Throughout the construction period, Brunelleschi faced endless problems and challenges from his employees and enemy co- partners. But he overcame it all and finally in March 25, 1436 the cathedral was celebrated for its completion. Brunelleschi was granted great respect for his great work because he was buried in the crypt of the cathedral when he past away. His work still stands today and it is the fourth largest in the world. (5)

Works Cited

      1.     Oona O'Reilly, Art Teacher at Second Level School Follow. "Early Renaissance a New Era." Share and Discover Knowledge on LinkedIn SlideShare. N.p., 2015. Web. 05 Dec. 2016.

      2.     Aishwarya Deopujari, Student of Architecture at Amity School of Architecture and Planning Follow. "Cathedral of Florence." Share and Discover Knowledge on LinkedIn SlideShare. N.p., 2014. Web. 05 Dec. 2016.

      3.     "Brunelleschi's Dome of Florence Cathedral." Florence Inferno. N.p., 2016. Web. 05 Dec. 2016.

      4.     "Il Duomo." Brunelleschi's Dome. National Geographic Megazine. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Dec. 2016.

      5.     "Cathedral of Florence." Cathedral of Florence. The Museum of Florence. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Dec. 2016.