Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore

The Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, commonly known as the Duomo, is the main church of Florence, Italy. It is the most recognizable symbol of the city and a major tourist destination. Originally built in 1296, the cathedral rose to prominence after the inauguration of the marble facade in 1436. Inside, the Duomo consists of four separate halls or “naves” leading up to the main altar, where a towering octagonal dome, Brunelleschi’s masterpiece, crowns the church. Outside, an ornate façade constructed of off-white and pink marble, constructed between 1296 and 1436, is adorned with 14 large statues. The cathedrals many sculptures, frescoes, chapels and artworks have earned it recognition as a UN World Heritage Site.