The Duomo of Florence Cathedral is one of the largest buildings in human history. Built in 1436 by Filippo Brunelleschi, not only is it the largest masonry dome ever built, with a diameter of 149ft, but it also marks the beginning of the Renaissance from an architectural perspective. More importantly still, it is imbued with a certain mystery that has obsessed engineers for over 500 years: how was it erected? Being a very secretive person himself, Brunelleschi (1377-1446) was keen not to reveal his little secrets - which he would take with him to the grave - to anyone, and especially not to his rivals. We know, because it was in his specifications, that he did not have the option of using the classic wooden centring with which to support the vault as the dimensions of the future dome were too large. He also couldn't rely on scaffolding for the same reasons. The most recent studies tend to show that he actually combined several methods, including a technique inherited from the Etruscans, which consisted of assembling the bricks (mounted by pulleys) in the shape of a fish bone, which would have made it possible to distribute the weight of the whole as it was raised.<\/p>\n
In any case, and let\u2019s keep this strictly between ourselves, SoBARNES is delighted to offer you the opportunity to take a look inside 14-21 Firenze, a 14th<\/sup> century palace converted into luxury apartments so close to the Duomo that you just want to reach out and touch it:<\/p>\n