The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, or Duomo, forms part of an architectural complex that includes the baptistery and Giotto’s bell tower. All three buildings are linked visually by the distinctive vertical and horizontal bands of coloured marble decorating their external walls.

By the end of the 13th century, the Cathedral of Santa Reparata was crumbling, so Florence decided to build a church over it that would surpass those of Pisa and Siena. Work began on the floorplan by Arnolfo Di Cambio. A series of architects quickly succeeded one another to complete the bell tower, expand the apse and side chapels, and finish off the naves.

Six lateral stained-glass windows were also added with only the four closest to the transept allowing in light. There is a marked contrast between the elaborately decorated exterior and its Spartan interior – a reversal of what was typical for cathedrals of the period.