Welcome to Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance. Let the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore transport you through time. More than just a church, this Gothic structure, with its red-tiled dome, is steeped in centuries of history. Built over an older cathedral, construction began in 1296 under the supervision of architect Arnolfo di Cambio. Italian architect Filippo Brunelleschi engineered its dome, the largest brick dome ever constructed. Its completion in 1436 was the final stage of the cathedral"s construction. It"s not just the outside that dazzles; inside there are artistic treasures to discover, from Giorgio Vasari"s fresco "The Last Judgment" to Paolo Uccello"s intricate clock face. The cathedral complex is also home to the Baptistery, a small basilica, and Giotto"s Campanile, a free-standing bell tower.
Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence
Today in History
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In search of roadside attractions on ‘America’s Highway’
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The roots of invention
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Looking for peace on the precipice
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Bathing in the light of Pride
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Lavender fields on the Valensole Plateau in Provence, France
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Sedona, Arizona
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Splendid leaf frog
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Driftwood on Boneyard Beach, Hunting Island, South Carolina
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Frankenstein Friday
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Góða ólavsøku, from the Faroes!
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The Blue City of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
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Bohemian waxwings in Canada
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Walk the line
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International Nurses Day
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Celebrating sea otters
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Porthcawl Lighthouse, Wales, UK
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Native American Heritage Month
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A magnificent monolith
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National Bison Day
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Bluespotted ribbontail ray
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International Tiger Day
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Polar bears
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Longs Peak, Rocky Mountain National Park
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White Desert National Park, Egypt
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Maldives
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Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
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The moth wonderful time of the year
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Dragons Eye, Uttakleiv Beach, Norway
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Computer Science Education Week
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International Lighthouse Lightship Weekend
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Cranborne Chase, England
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Colorful boats in Marsaxlokk Harbor, Malta
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Ancient town of Sorano, Tuscany, Italy
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Who created the Easter Bunny?
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park turns 92!
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Groundhog Day arrives—beyond a shadow of a doubt
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Everyone s watching the Perseids
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Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany
Bing Wallpaper Gallery

