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Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore (Florence Duomo) Description: Florence’s Duomo, or cathedral, completed in 1466 after 170 years of work, is the fourth largest church in the world, and its domed roof is symbolic of the meeting of Renaissance craft and culture. Engineered by the architect and sculptor Filippo Brunelleschi (1377-1446), using specially invented machines, the cupola (dome) was one of the greatest achievements of the Italian Renaissance. Its octagonal form has a diameter of 46.5m (153ft) at the base, and was completed in 1434; it is possible to climb to the top of the dome for magnificent views over the city. The vast interior boasts frescoes by Renaissance masters such as Paolo Uccello and Andrea del Castagno, as well as a monument to the poet Dante and his Divina Commedia (Divine Comedy). The Duomo stands on the remains of an older cathedral, which can be seen in the archaeological area revealed beneath the floor. The north bronze doors of the battistero (baptistry), the oldest building in the square, were cast by Lorenzo Ghiberti in the early part of the 15th century and were described by Michelangelo as fit to be the gates to paradise; they depict secenes from the life of Christ. The nearby campanile (bell tower) is decorated inside with frescoes and statues by Giotto and Donatello, amongst others. Contact Addresses: Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore, Via della Canonica 1, 50122 Florence, Italy Tel: (055) 230 2885. Fax: (055) 230 2898. E-mail: opera@operaduomo.firenze.it. Website: www.operaduomo.firenze.it Transportation: Air: Amerigo Vespucci Airport (Florence), Galileo Galilei Airport (Pisa). Rail: Train: Firenze Santa Maria Novella Station (Florence). Road: Bus: 14 or 23. Car: A1 (from Milan, Bologna, Rome or Naples); A11 (from Pisa, Lucca, Prato or Siena). Opening Times: Battistero: Mon-Sat 1200-1900, Sun 0830-1400. Closed 24 Jun, 8 Sep, 25 Dec, 1 Jan, Easter. Campanile: Daily 0830-1930. Closed 8 Sep, 25 Dec, 1 Jan, Easter. Cupola: Mon-Fri 0830-1900, Sat 0830-1740, first Sat of month 0830-1600. Closed 15 Aug, 8 Sep, 1 Nov, 8 Dec, 25-26 Dec, 1 Jan, 6 Jan, Thurs before Easter-Easter Sunday. Duomo: Mon-Wed and Fri 1000-1700, Thurs 1000-1530, Sat 1000-1645, first Sat of month 1000-1530, Sun 1330-1645. Admission Fees: Battistero: EUR3/L5809. Campanile: EUR6/L11,618. Cupola: EUR6/L11,618. Duomo: Free. 
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