THE DUOMO
The Duomo -- technically The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore (Basilica of Saint Mary of the Flower) is the main church in Florence.
Its fabulous brick dome, architecturally designed ad engineered by the great Filippo Brunelleschi, has dominated the Firenze skyline for more than 500 years.
The Duomo sounds like the English word Dome, don't be fooled.
Duomo is the name for every Catholic Church in Italy -- whether it has a triumphant dome or not.
The word likely comes from Domus, Latin for home -- as in the church is the house of God.
The Duomo plays heavily in PBS' excellent four-part documentary: THE MEDICI -- GODFATHERS OF THE RENAISSANCE, as th Medici were patrons of Brunelleschi's daring attempt to creat the giant dome.
It remains the largest brick dome ever constructed.
The Duomo was begun in 1296 in the Gothic style.
Its Gothic Revival facade of marble in various shades of green and pink bordered by white dates only back to the 19th century.
The cathedral complex includes the Giotto's Campanile, the striking bell tower begun by late middle ages Italian painter and architect Giotto di Bondone.
The Baptistry includes grand doors modeled and cast by Lorenzo Ghibertia based on scenes from the
Old Testament.
The complex also includes a museum about the construction of the Duomo.
The museum and main floor of the Basilica are wheelchair-accessible.
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