Page 400 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Europe

398  IT AL Y AND GREECE

1 Duomo

Set in the heart of Florence, Santa Maria del . Campanile
At 85 m (276 ft), the
Fiore – the Duomo, or cathedral, of Florence Campanile is 6 m (20 ft)
– dominates the city with its enormous shorter than the dome.
dome. Its sheer size was typical of Florentine It is clad in white, green
determination to lead in all things, and to and pink Tuscan marble.
The first-floor reliefs are
this day, no other building stands taller in by Andrea Pisano.
the city. The Baptistry, with its celebrated
doors, is one of Florence’s oldest buildings,
dating perhaps from the 4th century. In his
capacity as city architect, Giotto designed
the Campanile in 1334; it was completed in
1359, 22 years after his death.

. Baptistry
Colorful 13th-century mosaics illustrating The
Last Judgment decorate the ceiling above the
large octagonal font where many famous
Florentines, including Dante, were baptized.

Main
entrance

South Door Panels
This scene from the
south doors of the Steps to Santa Reparata
Baptistry, completed The crypt contains the remains of the church
by the sculptor Andrea of Santa Reparata, built in the 4th century,
Pisano in 1336, depicts and demolished in 1296 to make way for a
The Baptism of St. John cathedral which would more fittingly represent
the Baptist. Florence and rival those of Siena and Pisa.
For hotels and restaurants see pp438–40 and pp441–3

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