The Duomo of Florence also known as Santa Maria del Fior is located on a beautiful location, the Florentine horizon. Not only is it known worldwide for beauty and size, but its rich ancient history is also one of the reasons for its popularity. Its history dates back to 1293 when the first foundation was laid. It’s an ancient story is full of citizenship, rivalry, and architectural excellence. It is one of the best cathedrals to visit in Italy.
Here is a list of things you don't know about Duomo Florence.
Brunelleschi wins the competition to design Florence's Duomo with an egg trick
It took 142 years to build the Duomo
The construction of this grand cathedral was conceived in the middle of the 13th century and began in 1293. The Gothic designed cathedral was planned to incorporate a huge dome at its center, although at that time no technology existed to construct a dome with such a shape. He started building the cathedral anyway, but he left the last part exposed for years, while waiting for a good solution to fix the problem.
The city soon announced an architectural design competition and the winner of that show was Filippo Brunelleschi who came up with a revolutionary idea: two domes, using a special herringbone brick pattern and a horizontal stone chain to reduce the tension and to evenly distribute the weight.
Brunelleschi had to build Dome as his biggest rival, co-superintendent
The administrators of the project did not fully trust him, even though Brunelleschi won the competition. They decided to nominate Brunelucci's arch-enemy Lorenzo Ghiberti, as co-superintendent, to retain the ambitious goldsmith. Apparently their relationship has never recovered especially when Brunelleschi was beaten by Ghiberti for the opening of the bronze gate of Florence Baptiste. Their collaboration was often lead into quarrels and conspiracies, but in the end, Ghiberti had to recognize the incredible talent of his rival.
It's been a crime scene
The Pazzi conspiracy to seize control over the Medici family of Florence, was an unsuccessful plot. It was executed by the Pazi family, the old rivals of the rulers of Plaza, and supported by the Pope and members of the nobility. The plot occurred when the service on Easter Sunday in 1478 was about to be held. Giuliano de 'Medici was brutally murdered with brutal wounds, while his brother Lorenzo managed to escape in Sacristy.
Rebel of Duomo
After that event, Pazzi and his supporters still tried to raise a popular rebellion against the Medici, but the people retaliated in support of the Medici and seized and killed many Pazi supporters. The carcasses of the conspirators were hung from a window in the Palazzo della Signoria as a very visual lesson for not trying to overthrow the Medi family.
Though there is much more to know and see about the Duomo of Florence. But it will be great to see and hear about it yourself instead of reading it somewhere. If you are planning to visit Italy than make some plans to explore this cathedral too.
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