Dome

The Dome is an absolute masterpiece of art that enchants the world since its creation: it is the symbol of Florence, of the Renaissance and of humanism in general.

With its 45.5 meters of diameter and a total height of more than 116 meters, the dome is the largest masonry vault in the world and was built between 1420 and 1436 by Filippo Brunelleschi, following the project he presented in the competition launched by the Opera in 1418. The Cathedral of Florence was consecrated by Pope Eugene IV on 25 March 1436.

Brunelleschi's major innovation was to built the Dome without a supporting structure. The Dome consists of two distinct domes: one internal, more than two meters thick, with a deeper angle than the other and consisting of large arches held together by ribs and made of bricks arranged in a "herringbone" pattern. The external dome is covered with terracotta tiles and marked by eight white marble ribs.

The oculus of the Dome is surmounted by the large lantern: a 21 meter high white marble tower, which was built after the death of the artist (1446) but following Brunelleschi’s project. On the top is the golden copper ball with apical cross, work by Andrea del Verrocchio, placed there in 1471.

More than one hundred years later - between 1572 and 1579 - the internal vault of the Dome was painted by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari with an enormous Last Judgment, partly inspired by the mosaics of the Baptistery: the largest mural in the world.

In compliance with the obligations of Articles 15 paragraph 1 letter a), and 18 paragraph 1 letters h) and z) Law No 81 / April 9, 2008 regarding the protection of health and safety in the workplace

IT IS FORBIDDEN TO STAY OR STOP TEMPORARILY IN THE FOLLOWING PLACES:
connecting stairs, both uphill and downhill;
in the sections: from the "Porta della "Mandorla" entrance to the first balcony, including the balcony;
between the aforementioned balcony and the panoramic terrace;
from the second balcony, included, to the "Porta dei Canonici" exit.