DUOMO -The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

The CATHEDRAL OF SANTA MARIA DEL FIORE The cathedral is one of the most distinctive landmarks of Italy. In 13th century, Florence 's burgeoning status as a wealthy and important city prompted the Ruling Council to issue an edict demanding for a cathedral of the most "exalted and the most prodigal magnificence, in order that the industry and power of men may never creeate anything that is more vast and beautiful. The foundation was laid in 1296 and was given the name Santa Maria del Fiore, the title that linked the Virgin to the Florence's flower. The people still called it Santa Reparata until a decree in 1401 was passed prohibiting the use of such name. Due to the death of the original architect, Arnolfo de Cambio, the project faltered until 1331 when Florence's first bishop and saint was moved to the cathedral and construction started again with another group of architects. The building of the cathedral took many centuries, project by project, handled by different architects, mostly finaced from the colleections of estate taxes and fines for drunkeness. Information about the DUOMO: Hours and Days: OPen everyday except Sunday morning and first Saturday of the month. Fee: Church is free but Santa Reparata and Dome are not. Buses: 1,6,14,17,23