Florence Cathedral

architecture · Italy · engineering · Renaissance

Built over centuries. Construction started in 1296 and wasn't finished until 1436, meaning builders worked on this magnificent cathedral for about 140 years. Imagine a building project lasting longer than a person's entire life!

Colorful marble puzzle. The cathedral's outer walls are covered with panels of marble in shades of green, pink, and white that fit together like a giant, gorgeous puzzle. The pattern creates a striped effect that makes the building look like it's dressed up for a celebration.

Dome engineering marvel. A brilliant engineer named Filippo Brunelleschi designed the huge dome on top, and it was such an amazing engineering trick that people at the time didn't think it was possible. His dome became one of the most famous achievements of the Renaissance period.

Named for flowers. The cathedral's full name is the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower, and it sits in the beautiful city of Florence, Italy, which is actually named after flowers too. It's the main cathedral for the Catholic Church in Florence.

Historic western front. The fancy Gothic-style stone carvings and decorations on the front of the building were added much later, in the 1800s, by an architect named Emilio De Fabris. It gives the ancient cathedral an extra layer of artistic detail.