Experts' Choice Award Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
What the experts agree on
Florence's iconic cathedral dazzles with its pink, white, and green marble facade, but Brunelleschi's dome is the true showstopper—an engineering marvel that was the largest in the world when completed in 1436.
“Building began in the 1290s under the direction of Arnolfo Di Cambio, and the structure was designed to supersede all other churches in size and sheer magnificence.”
– Concierge
Fodor's "In 1296 Arnolfo di Cambio (circa 1245–circa 1310) was commissioned to build "the loftiest, most sumptuous edifice human invention could devise" in the Romanesque style." Full review
Travel + Leisure "You get to glimpse up close some of the innovative engineering techniques that genius architect Brunelleschi used to create what was, in 1436, the largest dome in history." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "To visit is to be awed." Full review
Afar Magazine "The Duomo, Baptistry, and Campanile are all part of the UNESCO World Heritage site that covers the entire historic center of Florence." Full review
Atlas Obscura "This strange bovine gargoyle is said to have been put in as a passive aggressive form of revenge. " Full review
U.S. News & World Report2.0
"Not only Florence's religious center, it's also the city's most recognizable attraction. Occupying the Piazza del Duomo in the heart of the city...was erected during the 14th century" Full review
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The red-tiled cupola was designed by Brunelleschi and is described as a must-see by experts and travelers alike.
Frommer's "For centuries, people have commented that Florence's cathedral is turned inside out, its exterior boasting Brunelleschi's famous dome and a festive cladding of white, green, and pink marble." Full review
Time Out "From whichever way you approach it, the Duomo – properly known as Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral – dwarfs the rest of Florence" Full review
"The Duomo, as Santa Maria del Fiore is known to locals, is likely what comes to mind when you think of Florence, namely the red tiles of Filippo Brunelleschi's cupola. Made with more than..."
National Geographic "Towering over the citysce, the Duomo—officially, Santa Maria del Fiore (known as the Virgin of the Flower, an allusion to the lily, the symbol of Florence)—as it pears today took..."
