Church of Santa Maria del Fiore Florence

The magnificent Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence is close to cheap hotels and good accommodation. It was built on the site of a 5th century cathedral dedicated to Santa Reparata. The construction began in 1296, using the Gothic style designs of Arnolfo di Cambio who was also the architect of the church of Santa Croce and the Palazzo Vecchio. The building of this vast project was to last more then 170 years, as death of Arnolfo only 5 years into the project was just the first set back. Lack of money, politics within the church and the black plague were just a few reasons behind the delay. The structure was finally completed 1418, and only the dome remained incomplete. The landmark dome, engineered by Filippo Brunelleschi, was a lengthy ordeal. To add the 37000 ton brick dome took all types of never before mastered techniques. The façade is finished off with elaborate 19th century polychrome marble panels in shades of green, white and pink.