Florence - Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore

Florentina was established in Roman times as a settlement for veteran soldiers. The name had changed already, when young Charlemagne conquered the town in 774. It became part of the Duchy of Tuscany, with Lucca as capital. Around 1000 Margrave Hugo chose Florence as residency instead of Lucca. After the death of Matilda of Tuscany (1115), the Florentines formed a republic was ruled by a council. The town prospered, despite a constant fight between the different factions and noble families.

In the 15th century, Florence was among the largest and wealthiest cities in Europe. This was, when the Medici family entered the political scene. As a dynasty of art loving, power hungry bankers, they made Florence the birthplace of the Renaissance.

The construction of the cathedral, designed by Arnolfo di Cambio, started in 1296, replacing an older cathedral, that was too small for the growing population. It was completed about 140 years later with a dome engineered by Filippo Brunelleschi and a campanile designed by Giotto.

The western facade of the basilica dates to the 19th century and was done by Emilio De Fabris.

As the weather got worse, I needed the support of other tourists, to take shots.