The only known example of a similar construction so far was the dome of Rome’s Pantheon, but nobody knew for sure how it was constructed. No doubt Filippo Brunelleschi was inspired by the Roman construction. That, and careful mathematic calculations, allowed him to propose this ambitious project that many thought was absolutely unrealistic. And yet, he not only managed to complete the works but also did so with a very low mortality index on site (something that was very common back then): there was only one dead and eight injured during the 20 years of the dome’s construction. Not by chance Brunelleschi’s tomb is located inside the cathedral, to highlight how important his contributions to the city were. You can also admire the enormous painting of The Last Judgement, adorning the dome from inside, a masterpiece created by Vasari and Zuccari.

The Duomo is free to visit (the only monument in this piazza that is free to visit - but later on that), and if you want to avoid the long lines, I recommend you to arrive early (don’t worry though, by “early” I mean 10am!). That way, you can enter the cathedral without long waiting times and enjoy it relatively uncrowded. Now, after having admired the beauty of the dome and the grandiosity of the cathedral itself, it’s time for a chilling story!

Assassination in the Cathedral. It was April 26th, 1478, the Easter Sunday, that has changed the course of the Florentine history. All of the noble and powerful families of Florence were present in the cathedral for an Easter mass, including, of course, the Medici. Among them - Lorenzo the Magnificent, and his brother, Giuliano. The Medici have already gained their power and influence, and of course, one too many nemesis as well. Among them - the Pazzi, another ancient and noble Florentine family, taken by envy. They have been plotting to kill the Medici brothers for a long time - trying to poison them twice, but both times Lorenzo and Giuliano managed to get out safely. Desperate, the Pazzi joined forces with the pope Sisto IV, his nephew, Girolamo Riario, the Salviati family, and several other important political figures, like the Duke of Urbino - what they all had in common was the concern over Lorenzo de’ Medici gaining “too much power”. The conspiracy was absolutely atrocious: they intended to stab both brother during the Easter mass. While both, Lorenzo and Giuliano, kneeled during the mass, the assassins took out the swords and made the first attack - but failed. A true chaos began, with people fleeing - and fighting. Lorenzo managed to escape, finding refuge in the sacristy, which cost him the life of a close friend, Francesco Nori, who shielded Lorenzo with his own body. Giuliano, on the other hand, wasn’t as fortunate - he was brutally murdered, aged only 25, in the middle of the cathedral. While there’re very detailed historical accounts of the event that became known as “The Pazzi Conspiracy”, it was, once again, very well and accurately shown in the series I can’t stop recommending you.