Summary: Step back in history as you listen to enchanting tales of Florence’s Duomo, the Basilica di Santa Maria dell Fiore. Learn about this wondrous Cathedrals magnificent art and other treasures, Brunelleschi’s grandiose dome and Giotto’s famous bell tower. This lavishly decorated poem in stone is a massive structure that required six centuries to complete. Dominating the serene Tuscan skyline, the Duomo, dedicated to St. Mary, is the fourth largest cathedral in all of Christendom and one of Italy’s most enduring symbols. Located in the appropriately named Piazza del Duomo it is the de facto center of Florence, with its gigantic cupola visible from nearly every street. During the 13th century Florence, one of the most prosperous and wealthiest cities in the entire civilized world was one of the last medieval cities to plan a great cathedral. Therefore, in 1294, the Council elected to build a new cathedral and decreed: “It will be so magnificent in size and beauty as to surpass anything built by the Greeks and Romans. It shall display such magnificence that no industry, nor human power, shall surpass it.”This is track one of a multi-track tour, to download the complete tour, visit www.tourcaster.com.
