FLORENCE DOME: SANTA MARIA NOVELLA

The original project of the Florence Dome, or Santa Maria Novella, was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio while the cupola, was created by Filippo Brunelleschi. The facade, that completed this magnificent architectural art work, was carried out as late as the 19th century. Enriching the history of this monument was the construction of two sacristies and the execution of the sculptures for the frescoes signed by Paolo Uccello, Andrea del Castagno Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari.

This Cathedral was given the name Santa Maria del Fiore in allusion to the lily symbol of the city. The Duomo was built on the top of Florence’s second Cathedral, Santa Reparata: a large part of the remains of this church can be seen today in the archaeological area underneath the Cathedral.

In 1294 the project was ultimately assigned to Arnolfo di Cambio and the first stone was ceremoniously laid by him on September 8th, 1296. Arnolfo worked on the Cathedral up until his death in 1302 but four years earlier had already begun work on the construction of Palazzo Vecchio as well. After the death of Arnolfo, the work grounded to a halt. In 1334 Giotto was called to oversee further construction but he died shortly after in 1337. He dedicated most of this time to his Bell Tower building. Work was then succeeded by Andrea Pisano.

The Bell Tower was finally completed in 1359 after 10 years of work overseen by Francesco Talenti. In 1360 a new project was begun with the collaboration of Giovanni di Lapo Ghini. In 1375 Santa Reparata was taken down, which indicated that Santa Maria del Fiore was now ready to be the new cathedral of Florence.

Many years later, when Grand Duke Francesco I de’ Medici decided to construct a new facade in 1586, the sculptures then found on the existing facade, some of Arnolfo himself, were dismantled and transferred to the Museum of the Opera inside the Duomo.