Facade of the Santa Maria Del Fiore

This neo-Gothic facade, completed in 1887, mimics the earlier design of the Baptistery and Giotto's bell tower, particularly in its lavish use of multi-coloured marbles. However, the design by Emilio Fabris is often criticised as excessive and lacking the dignity and tasteful restraint of its predecessors.

The bronze doors are crowned with lunettes decorated with mosaics. Those above the right and left doors depict allegories of Faith and Hope. The central mosaic depicts Christ in His Glory with Mary and Saint John the Baptist.

The pediments above the lunettes are decorated with bas-reliefs. The central pediment shows Mary with a flowered sceptre. Twelve statues of the apostles are located at the top of the facade, six stand either side of the Madonna and Child.

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