Architecture

The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower is one of the most famous monuments in Florence. It is dedicated to Santa Maria del Fiore, and it is considered the third largest church in the world. Located in the heart of Florence, at Piazza Duomo, it's truly a spectacular sight to behold.Duomo di Firenze, as it is ordinarily called, was begun in 1296 in the Gothic style to the design of Arnolfo di Cambio and completed structurally in 1436 with the dome engineered by Filippo Brunelleschi. The other architects who worked on the project included Francesco Talenti, Giotto and Andrea Pisano. The ...

The complex of Pisa`s wonders, which includes the Baptistery of St. John, Pisa Cathedral and the Tower, is located on Piazza dei Miracoli. It`s called this way because all these monuments were built on a plain near the city. It was a miracle that such an extraordinary group of buildings could be at one place.The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a huge bell tower, which for many years had been leaning to one side due to being built on weak and unstable subsoil, which cannot support its weight. It measures 55 meters from its base to the top and consists of seven floors, six above ground level, as well ...

Ponte delle Torri is a bridge in Spoleto, Umbria, central Italy. It spans the valley between Monte Torrone and Monte Petrano to join the old city center to the Piazza della Libertà (Freedom Square). It has a span of 67 meters (220 ft) and is one of the highest bridges in Italy.The medieval segmental arch bridge was built in the second half of the 14th century by Cardinal Albornoz as part of the restoration of the Via Flaminia. It was intended to replace an earlier structure destroyed by the citizens of Spoleto during their revolt against papal authority in 1176. The bridge was meant to be ...

The Duomo or Cattedrale di San Martino is one of the finest buildings in Lucca, not only because of its size and age but also because of how much of it has been preserved over the centuries. It looks absolutely stunning on the outside as well as inside and is considering a true wonder in Italy.The cathedral was started in 1063 by bishop Anselmo da Baggio (future Pope Alexander II). The original Romanesque facade was scrapped by Zaccaria from Como in 1204. It was later replaced in the 14th century with a Gothic one. A few traces of it remain a sculpted relief of Saint Martin sharing his cloak ...

Basilica di San Miniato al Monte is situated on a hilltop in Florence near Piazzale Michelangelo, in the Oltrarno quarter. It is considered to be one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Tuscany. It became an appreciated destination for those who are interested in seeing something different from the usual tourist itinerary.The church, dedicated to Saint Minias of Florence, was originally built in 1018 by Bishop Alibrando on the remains of an ancient Roman temple. The Benedictine monks of Cluny started the construction of the new church to replace the older one (dating back to ...

A leading example of Italian Romanesque architecture and one of the most significant buildings in the history of Western art, the Campanile di Giotto is admired by visitors from all over the world. The Campanile di Giotto is a free-standing campanile that is part of the complex of buildings that make up Florence Cathedral on the Piazza del Duomo in Florence.The tower's magnificence is due to the combined contributions of artist Giotto di Bondone and structural engineer Francesco Talenti – two geniuses who brought their own visions for a more beautiful Florence to life. The tower designed ...

The Cappelle Medicee, also known as the Medici Chapels, are two structures at the Basilica of San Lorenzo. They were built as extensions to Brunelleschi's 15th-century church in order to accommodate the large Medici family, the powerful Florentine dynasty whose members include several popes, five queens and other political and religious figures.The Medici family, also known as the House of Medici, first attained wealth and political power in Florence in the 13th century through its success in commerce and banking. The Medici Bank was one of the most prosperous and respected institutions in ...

The church of Santa Maria Novella is located in Florence, Italy. It's situated just across from the main railway station, which shares its name. Chronologically, it is the first great basilica in Florence and principal Dominican church. Furthermore, Basilica di Santa Maria Novella is among the largest Franciscan churches in the world.  The basilica was constructed on the site of an earlier chapel dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, which had been located within a cloister built by the Dominican order at Santa Maria Novella between 1221 and 1263. The church was designed by two Domi ...

The walled town of Monteriggioni is one of the most spectacular and best-preserved tourist destinations in Tuscany. Monteriggioni was strategically located on a hill along the Via Francigena. This ancient road connected Rome to France and served as an important trade route. This unique topography made it an ideal place for a fortified town.It was built by Siena as a defensive outpost against Florence. The construction began in 1213 and was completed within two years, with the help of 900 workers and materials from nearby quarries. To protect it even more, the village was surrounded by a moat a ...

The Baptistery of St. John is a religious building in Florence, Italy. It is located in Piazza San Giovanni, to the south east of the Duomo, the city's cathedral. The baptistery is renowned for its historical, architectural and artistic value. It is one of several buildings on the site that date from Florence's early medieval period.The earliest mention of a building devoted to baptism dates to 1088, when it was described as a "Rotunda", but archaeological excavations have revealed earlier foundations, such as those made of brick. They were discovered under the flooring on the southwes ...

Loggia dei Lanzi is a street-side sculpture gallery located in the Piazza della Signoria in Florence's historic center. It consists of wide arches open to the street, three bays deep, with columns and pilasters that frame ten statues of biblical figures.Originally designed as a covered corridor for public speeches, the Loggia was built around 1376-1382 by Benci di Cione, a pupil of Orcagna. He completed it with his brother Giovanni, who was also a sculptor. The wide arches appealed so much to the Florentines that Michelangelo proposed that they should be continued all around the Piazza della ...

A magnificent sacred place in the Crete Senesi region. The monastic complex of Monte Oliveto Maggiore is the seat of the abbot general of the Benedictine Congregation of Monte Oliveto. It features well-preserved medieval architecture and houses numerous Renaissance artworks. The monastery offers splendid views over the forest hills and it’s definitely a must-see place for religious people. The abbey is located 36 km south of Siena, and it takes about an hour to get there from the city. Founded by a member of one of the most influential families of Siena Bernardo Tolomei, the abbey ...