I found if very interesting to read about the history and architecture of the Dome of Florence Cathedral. I have traveled to Florence and spent some time at the Duomo. It is truly a work of art, with all the intricate details on the exterior as well as the frescos inside. There are several marble statues tucked into arches and corners on the outside of the Cathedral. I am sure that when I visited the Duomo, they provided some back history, but I did not realize all the work that went into constructing the Dome. Seeing that I work for a Structural Engineering company, I found this revolutionary feat of engineering to be amazing as well as informative. Brunelleschi revolutionized the way structures were built with this project, by creating a double shell of masonry 138 feet across supported by 24 ribs or rafters. Brunelleschi also devised a system where tempory wooden supports were cantilevered out of the drum, allowing him to move these supports up as the building progressed, allowing each portion of the structure to reinforce the next one. Thanks to this new form of architecture/engineering, when completed, the unit required no external support to keep it standing.
I have never been to Florence but the Dome of Florence Cathedral looks very pretty because of all of its detail. It is crazy to think how much effort people put into architecture like this. It reminds me of when I went to India and saw all the palaces and the Taj Mahal. There is so much intricate detail in all of these places, you can spend hours just looking at it all.
ReplyDeleteIt is a beautiful work of art! We were there last summer, and enjoyed it completely as well as alal the other buildings in Italy. The fact the could build these massive creations during these times is amazing.
ReplyDeleteHi Melissa,
ReplyDeleteI too have had the great opportunity to visit and climb to the top of this church. I went with my husband 3 years ago, and again with my kids 2 summers ago. If I had realized that it was 500 years old, I may not have been as eager to scale to the top of the dome.. it is quite amazing that it is still climbable after all these years! I also really enjoyed the surrounding buildings and their beauty. I would be interested in looking up the history of the bell tower next to the Cathedral... with its green, black and white marble in intricate patterns.. it must have an interesting history and story too..
Kimberlie
I am so jealous! I wish I could go to Florence. THe farthest I've traveled is Canada! I would love to be able to see these things in real life. I'm sure the buildings in real life are thousands of times more beautiful than on a page. It would be so cool to be able to actually look up inside the dome and see the intricate designs. I'm jealous. :]
ReplyDelete