Brunelleschi's Dome Reopens for 600th Anniversary

On August 7, 1420, the Opera del Duomo di Firenze began the colossal construction site directed by Filippo Brunelleschi to crown the cathedral of Arnolfo with a dome that defied physics and inspired Michelangelo's St. Peter's. After decades of waiting, the structure was completed in 1412 except for the drum covering. Brunelleschi devised an avant-garde double-shell dome with self-supporting brick spirals and invented special machinery to hoist materials, later studied by Leonardo da Vinci. For the 600th anniversary, the dome is open daily through August and September, with extended hours until 9 PM for the first time. The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore also reopens Monday to Saturday with free entry. The pandemic delayed planned celebrations, but visitors can now explore the Renaissance masterpiece.