31: The Dome of Florence
I Take History With My Coffee
Ever marvel at the architectural genius of one of Italy's grandest cathedrals? We journey back to the 15th century and unravel the fascinating story of Florence's Santa Maria del Fiore's majestic dome. We unravel the invaluable contributions of Filippo Brunelleschi, the genius behind the dome's construction. His revolutionary ox-hoist facilitated the construction process of the cathedral, ushering in a new era of architectural accomplishment. We take you through the unique brick construction technique, featuring a herringbone pattern, an inverted arch, and rope lines that were instrumental in constructing the dome. And let's not forget the "men without name or family," the unsung laborers whose efforts were integral to the cathedral's completion. Tune in and immerse yourself in the tale of creativity, determination, and architectural brilliance that resulted in this iconic structure.
Link to images of Santa Maria del Fiore:
The Dome of Florence (podpage.com)
Blog post about linear perspective:
A Matter of Perspective (itakehistory.com)
Map of Florence from Paul Strathern's "The Medici: Godfathers of the Renaissance."
Map of Florence (podpage.com)
A great documentary on the building of the dome:
NOVA: Great Cathedral Mystery
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Intro Music: Hayden Symphony #39
Outro Music: Vivaldi Concerto for Mandolin and Strings in D
