Virtual tour panorama showing the interior of the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo) in Florence. This image was taken part way down the nave of the cathedral and shows a view both down to the high altar and back to the front of the church where 14th century clock is installed above the main doors.

Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore - Duomo - Florence visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore - Duomo' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Tuscany.

Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo) is the Cathedral church in Florence (Firenze), and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. It dominates the Piazza del Duomo which also includes the Baptistery and Giotto's Campanile (Bell Tower).

The Cathedral was built between 1296 - 1436 , taking over 170 years to complete. The foundation stone was laid under the direction of Arnolfo di Cambio and the dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi between 1420-36. The exterior of the Duomo is faced with polychrome marble panels in various colours with impressive results and at the front is a stunning 19th century Gothic Revival facade by Emilio De Fabris.

Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore is laid out like a Latin cross with the nave and aisles separated by wide pointed Gothic arches resting on composite piers. The central nave is laid out in four square bays with an aisle on each side. At the eastern end are the chancel and transepts, each an identical polygon. The main body of the church is massive, 153m long with a 38m wide nave with the aisle arches 23m high. The crossing is 90m wide and the dome lantern is 90m above the ground. The addition of the dome and cross brings the total height of the Duomo to 114.5m.

The interior of the Dumo is austere, though some notable works of art are found inside. These include:

• Dante and the Divine Comedy by Domenico di Michelino (1465)
• Funerary Monument to Sir John Hawkwood by Paolo Uccello (1436)
• Equestrian statue fresco of Niccolò da Tolentino by Andrea del Castagno (1456)
• Busts of Giotto (by Benedetto da Maiano), Brunelleschi (by Buggiano - 1447)
• Colossal one-handed liturgical clock face with fresco portraits of four Prophets or Evangelists by Paolo Uccello (1443).
• 44 stained glass windows, the largest undertaking of this kind in Italy in the 14th and 15th century.
• 'Christ crowning Mary as Queen' stained-glass circular window above the clock designed by Gaddo Gaddi in the early 14th century.
• Funeral Monument of Antonio d'Orso (1323), bishop of Florence by by Tino da Camaino.
• Crucifix behind the High Altar by Benedetto da Maiano (1495-1497).
• The Last Judgment painting covering the interior of the dome.

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.

Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo)
Piazza del Duomo,
9-red, 50122 Firenze,

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