Pictures of Florence, Italy

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This area of Florence is dominated by the superb Duomo of Santa Maria del Fiore, the highest building of the city, one of the best-known symbol of the town that overlooks Florence with its enormous Dome. The Cathedral, dedicated to "Saint Mary of the Flower" is located in the beautiful Piazza del Duomo, designed by Arnolfo di Cambio who enlarged the existing structure. The building of the Duomo started in 1296. The Cupola remained unfinished and only in 1421 it was built by the famous architect Brunelleschi. The cupola's interior was decorated by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari who painted a huge "Last Judgement". The Bell tower, designed by Giotto in 1334, was completed in 1359, 22 years after his death. The work was continued under Andrea Pisano and Francesco Talenti who continued in repeating the marble decoration and the Ghotic ornamentation. The belltower (Campanile) is still a masterpiece of elegance.