Panorama showing the High Altar area of the Cathedral (Duomo) of Santa Maria di Fiore in Florence. This image also shows a view of the frescos on the cathedral dome.

Cathedral Santa Maria Del Fiore - High Altar - Florence visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Cathedral Santa Maria Del Fiore - High Altar' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Tuscany.

The Duomo in Florence (Firenze) took 170 years to build. The first stone was laid in 1296 under the direction of Arnolfo di Cambio. The original plan was enlarged by Francesco Talenti after the mid 14th century. The radiating apses, seen here from near the High Altar, were finished in the early 14th century. The enormous dome was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi and was completed in 16 years between 1420-36.

The area under the dome contains the Choir and High Altar, enclosed in an octagonal space. The 8-sided shape, also used in the Baptistery signifies the time of the Risen Christ, yet to be fulfilled. The octagonal space of the Duomo's High Altar is about the same size as the Baptistery, thus recreating the oldest space in Florence below an elaborated Renaissance cupola.

The dome was decorated over 7 years (1572-9) by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari. The theme again reflect that of the Baptistery, showing the Last Judgement with the risen Christ at the center. The righteous ascend to heaven and the unrighteous are cast down to a tortuous hell. Many mythical beasts are also found in the hell scenes, including a dragon, hydra and Cerberus. Little remains of the Choir except the foundation walls, decorated with Old Testament prophets. The High Altar itself dates from 1973.

Florence Cathedral and Piazza del Duomo - Virtual Tours

Full list of virtual tour images in this collection taken around the Cathedral and associated buildings, some of which are not open to the public:

• Florence Cathedral Nave showing the massive expanse of the church.
• High Altar and cathedral dome.
• Altar of St Zenobius at the far end of the cathedral (not open to public).
• Florence Cathedral Mass Sacristy with wooden panelling (not open to public).
• View from Cupola overlooking the whole of Florence.
• Baptistery of San Giovanni with the mosaic ceiling.
• Florence from top of Giotto's Campanile (Bell Tower) showing a panoramic view over the city.
• Top Level and Penultimate Level of Giotto's Campanile (Bell Tower), images from inside the tower.
• Giotto's Campanile and South side of Cathedral showing the stunning polychrome marble decorations.

Bus: Roma - Calzoleria Bologna (C1, C2), Pucci (14, 23, 71, C1)