Royal secrets of the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral in Florence
In the previous post about Florence, I mentioned the Florence Cathedral—Santa Maria del Fiore— and the murder of Giuliano de’ Medici on Easter.
Which Royals did visit the Florence Cathedral in the past?
Historical Royal Visitors
Visited Florence in 1536 after defeating the Republic. A grand procession took place, likely involving the cathedral.
As the first king of unified Italy, he visited Florence when it was the temporary capital (1865–1871). The cathedral was a centerpiece of the city's prestige.
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Though never officially on a state visit, Queen Victoria was known to have a deep interest in Italian art and culture and spent time in Florence.
See also the blogpost about Queen Victoria and Florence on this link.
10 things you should know about the Cathedral of Florence
The Florence Cathedral is a prime example of Gothic and early Renaissance architecture. Its design marks a major transition from medieval to modern architecture.
Construction began in 1296 and was structurally completed in 1436, although decorative and artistic work continued after that.
The massive dome, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, was an engineering marvel of its time and remains the largest masonry dome in the world.
The cathedral was built over the ruins of the older church of Santa Reparata, parts of which can be visited in the crypt.
The façade, completed in the 19th century, features intricate green, pink, and white marble from local quarries.
The Campanile, or bell tower, next to the cathedral, was designed by Giotto di Bondone in 1334. It is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
Inside are works by artists such as Vasari, Donatello, and Luca della Robbia. The frescoes in the dome were painted by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari.
After St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and St. Paul’s Cathedral in London (I've visited them both), Florence’s cathedral ranks among the largest churches globally by volume.
The cathedral, along with the historic center of Florence, is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its cultural and historical significance.
always very busy around the Cathedral
Visitors can climb 463 steps to the top of the dome for breathtaking views of Florence and a closer look at the interior frescoes.
Whether you're drawn by its royal visitors, breathtaking architecture, or rich history, the Florence Cathedral is a must-see landmark. ✨ Want to uncover more hidden stories and travel tips from Florence? Scroll down or explore the rest of this blog.
👉 Travel Tip: Florence is easily accessible by plane and can be visited with a standard passport for EU citizens.
Source pictures:
- Cathedral + Queen Victoria: own pictures
- Royals + Dome: Wikipedia
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