Duomo - San Giovanni square at dusk
The third and last Florentine cathedral, it was given the name of Santa Maria del Fiore (Holy Mary of the Flower) in 1412 in clear allusion to the lily symbol of the city. It was built on top of the second cathedral, which early Christians had dedicated to Santa Reparata and which remained in activity for nine centuries, until orders were given to demolish it in 1375: remains of this construction, which was slightly more than half the size of the present basilica and completed by two bell towers, can be seen today in the archeological area underneath the Cathedral.
