Right in the center of Florence, there is the cathedral square. The religious center consists of the cathedral with the dome that can be seen from afar, the bell tower, and the baptistery. The monumental unit consists of three buildings, each of them is an architectural masterpiece in itself.
The Baptistery of San Giovanni was built in the Romanesque style and consecrated in the 11th century. The three gilded bronze portals are particularly impressive. Particularly well-known is Lorenzo Ghiberti’s Paradise Gate on the east side with ten scenes from the Bible.
Construction of the Cathedral Duomo began in the 13th century in the Gothic style. Filippo Brunelleschi was commissioned to build the dome. His interest was a large, magnificent dome. As soon as the dome was completed in 1436, the cathedral was dedicated to Santa Maria del Fiore. The magnificent Renaissance dome dominates the exterior of the cathedral. Statues were erected for the two master builders of the cathedral, which are to the right of the cathedral.
The highest point is the campanile, Giotto’s Bell Tower. It was designed by Giotto di Bondone and is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Giotto was 68 years old and did not see the completion of his bell tower. The bell tower is 85 m high and has a pyramidal top.
Things to do in Duomo Square
Visiting the Cathedral Duomo. The visit is free. You don-t need any ticket, but you need time
Duomos Terraces: You need a ticket and there are 150 steps to climb to have a panoramic visit
Climbing to Brunelleschi’s Dome Cupola: You need a ticket and there are 463 steps to climb
Climbing to the campanile, Giotto’s Bell Tower: You need a ticket and there are 414 steps to climb
Visiting the Baptistery of San Giovanni: You need a combined ticket to access first the Museum and then the Baptistery.