The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is one of the most iconic sights in Tuscany

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is one of the most iconic sights in Tuscany and lies in the heart of Florence or Firenze as it is known locally.

The Cathedral or Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore was initiated in 1296 under the gothic design of Arnolfo di Cambio but it was Filippo Brunelleschi who engineered the incredible dome which was completed in 1436.

There are three parts to this UNESCO world heritage site, the Camponile, Baptistery and the fabulous Piazza del Duomo. Once the largest dome in the world the Piazza del Duomo remains the biggest brick built dome anywhere ever built and the basilica is amongst the largest churches in Italy.

Open from 10.00 to 17.00 with small variations to the closing time except Sunday and religious holidays, entrance to this fabulous cathedral is free.

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