Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

When the architect Filippo Brunelleschi proposed the design for what was, at that time, the largest dome in the world, he was aiming high. The dome was the crowning glory of an ambitious building project begun in 1294 and finally completed nearly a century and a half later with the consecration of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in 1436, one of the architectural wonders of the Renaissance. The dome, which measures 45.5 metres in diameter, still holds the world record for the largest brick and mortar structure of its kind, and the breathtaking view from the top is one of the highlights of any visit to Florence.

Santa Maria del Fiore, known simply as the Duomo (cathedral), houses many of the city’s most important art treasures, notably Giorgio Vasari’s vast frescoes of the Last Judgement. The cathedral is also famous for its 44 stained glass windows, the work of celebrated Florentine artists of the 14th and 15th centuries including Donatello and Ghiberti, with scenes from the Old and New Testaments illustrated in gloriously rich and luminous colours.

One special curiosity that has fascinated visitors for centuries is the hora italica clock, one of the oldest surviving examples in the world, above the cathedral entrance. This one-handed liturgical clock chronicles the time over a 24-hour period ending at sunset. The clock dates from 1443 and is decorated with frescoes of the Evangelists by Paolo Uccello.

The Duomo is open every day except Epiphany (January 6) and entry to the church is free, although there is a charge for visiting the dome, accessed by a climb of 463 steps to the top. Since the building is one of Florence’s must-see attractions, you will usually have to queue to get inside, but while you wait in line you can admire its striking pink, green and white marble façade which was added in the 19th century. Larger groups may be obliged to take an audio or radio guide, so it’s a good idea to check entry requirements in advance.