The cathedral was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio in the Italian Gothic style and was completely enshrined in beautiful white, red and green marble with geometric figures and stylised flowers similar to the Baptistery which preceded it. The construction of the church began in 1296, with the plan consisting of a triple-nave basilica 153 meters in length, 90 metres wide and 90 meters high, making it one of the largest churches in the world.

The name Santa Maria del Fiore translates to ‘Lady of the Flower’ and refers to the name of the city ‘Florentia’ or ‘City of Flowers’ with its symbol of the Florentine lily meaning ‘destined to bloom’.

After the completion of the dome the church was consecrated by Pope Eugenio IV in 1436.

Access to the main hall within the cathedral is free, but a visit to Brunelleschi’s dome is an absolute must not only for the stunning views across the Florence skyline but also because you can get an astonishing close-up view of one of the greatest paintings in art history which decorates the interior of the dome. Access to the dome is by ticket only and these need to be purchased in advance from their official website.

The impressive fresco represents the ‘Last Judgement’ and features around 700 different figures including angels, souls, religious figures, the damned, cherubs, monsters and animals all painted across a 3,600m2 surface.

The piece was begun by the Italian Renaissance master Giorgio Vasari in 1572 and completed after his death by Federico Zuccari in 1579.

If you look towards the top of the painting, you will see the 24 old men described in the Apocalypse, followed by the seven families of the blessed, divided into people of God, Christian rulers, Doctors of the church, Holy martyrs, Apostles, Bishops and different religious orders.

In the lower sections you can identify the seven regions of Hell, reserved for the punishment of the seven deadly sins – lust, sloth, anger, envy, gluttony, greed and pride. Many devils, demons and skeletons can be seen within the piece depicting the underworld. Personally, this is one of the most impressive pieces of art I have been fortunate enough to witness and would highly recommend a visit to the dome as it allows you to walk around a narrow balcony to observe the piece more clearly. Technically you aren’t meant to stop moving whilst on the balcony but there is a little section on your descent from the exterior of the dome where you can pause for a moment or two to really appreciate its vastness.

After your visit to the dome your ticket also includes entry to the Bell Tower designed by Giotto, which also offers striking views across Florence from the top. As well as entry to the Baptistry of St. John which hosts some wonderful 13th century mosaic decorations.