Domes of Florence, Northern Italy
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Tempio Maggiore Isrealitico
When you look down from the hillsides above Florence the domes of Santa Maria del Fiore and Il Tempio Maggiore Israelitico stand out against the picturesque skyline.
Florence is a city of history, charm and art. Magnificent religious buildings draw visitors by the thousand. The Cathedral of Maria del Fiore and the Synagogue Il Tempio Maggiore Israelitico are two such buildings.
Santa Maria del Fiore
The cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is the world's fourth largest gothic church. Construction, based on designs by Arnolfo di Cambio, began in 1296. The cathedral, with its magnificent dome, was finished in 1436 by Filippo Brunelleschi.
The cathedral is renowned for its mosaic flooring, octagonal chancel, statues, stained glass windows and dome decoration by Giorgio Vasari (1511-74) and Frederico Zuccaro (1543-1609, also known as Zuccari or Zuccheri). The windows are best seen from the gallery as you climb to the top of the dome. There's no lift and its hard work but well worth the effort.
Santa Maria del Fiore was erected over the ancient basilica of Santa Reparata. The crypt of Santa Reparata is fascinating. It dates from the 4th century and was built on the ruins of an ancient Roman house.
The external façade of Santa Maria del Fiore is comparatively modern. Completed in the 19th century, its pink, white and green marble inlaid panels depict religious scenes.
The cathedral's museum, the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, houses fragile works of art rescued from surrounding buildings. There are models of the dome and several machines and tools used in its construction as well as sculptures and art by several well-known artists including Michelangelo, Donatello and Pisano.
Giotto’s campanile, bell tower, stands next to the Duomo. This fine example of Florentine gothic architecture stands 84.7 meters tall (277.9 feet). There’s no lift but the view from the top is superb and well worth climbing the stairs for. The cathedral is open daily but for precise opening times and admission fees to each attraction check the website.
Il Tempio Maggiore Israelitico
Fifteen minutes walk from El Duomo is the Tempio Maggiore Israelitico, Florence's main synagogue. Construction started in 1874 at a time when Florence had a substantial Jewish community. The design, by Marco Treves, was inspired by Constantinople's Byzantine church of Hagia Sophia and the architects have combined Moorish and Oriental elements. The synagogue has a magnificent central dome and two smaller domes. All three are roofed with copper sheeting which has turned green with time. Like El Duomo, the domes of the temple are visible for miles around.
The building suffered severe bomb damage in August 1944 and major flooding in 1966 but has been meticulously restored. The building is clad with pink and white stone slabs. A triple arched portico invites you to enter through tall walnut doors carved with Arabesque and geometric patterns. There is a finely carved Hebrew inscription above the door.
On the second floor is the Jewish Museum of Florence. A photographic exhibition tells the story of Jewish life in Florence. Also on display are beautiful silver ceremonial items including a silver case with a parchment scroll of the Book of Esther.
The synagogue is open to visitors from Sunday to Friday and admission is 5 Euros. Opening times vary through the year so check ahead. The synagogue can be found at Via Luigi Carlo Farini, 4, Florence 50121. The synagogue’s website provides details of opening times and tours.
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