Opera magazine
2021-09-08
On the 8th of September 1296 the first stone of the cathedral of Florence was laid
On this Day...
It has been 725 years since The Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore was founded. This institution was commissioned the construction of the new "Ecclesia Maior" which would substitute the old Santa Reparata. The new building was named "Santa Maria del Fiore" as a tribute to the Virgin Mary. In fact, the eighth of September is Mary’s birthday. "The flower" has a double meaning: it is associated with Christ , who is "the flower" which flourishes in Mary's womb, and it shows the pride of the people of "Fiorenza" as a community. The "Opera" was actually founded by the Florentine Republic and this great Cathedral would symbolize the spiritual and civic richness of Florence. Since its foundation, The Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore has been a very active institution, always serving the city of Florence and its people, It is a bridge between the past and future generations.