Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore is the main church of Florence. Originally -- and still among aficionados -- called Il Duomo di Firenze, it was begun in 1296.<br />
<br />
The architect was Arnolfo di Cambio who also designed the Basilica of Santa Croce and the Palazzo Vecchio.<br />
<br />
The dimensions of the building are enormous: length 153 metres (502 feet), width 38 metres (124 feet), width at the crossing 90 metres (295 feet). The height of the arches in the aisles is 23 metres (75 feet). The height of the dome is 114.5 meters (376 feet).