The church of Santa Maria Maggiore is a Gothic church that was mentioned as early as 931. The church was rebuilt in the 11th century. In 1176, the church obtained the status of collegiate church and became one of the priories of Florence. In the 13th century, it was acquired by the Cistercians and the church was rebuilt, including its façade. In ruins at the beginning of the 16th century, the church was given to the Carmelites of Mantua in 1521.
The Baptistery of St. John the Baptist dates back to the 4th century and was originally located outside the walls, but was included, together with the Cathedral, in the so-called "fourth circle" walls (11th century), built by Matilda of Canossa. The present baptistery was built between 1059 and 1128 in the Florentine Romanesque style, with three sculpted bronze portals. The poet Dante Alighieri and many other Renaissance figures, including members of the Medici family, were baptised here.
The Basilica of San Lorenzo was built on the site of a church consecrated in 393 by Ambrose of Milan, which was considered the oldest religious building in the city. The construction of the present building was begun in 1424 by Filippo Brunelleschi (1377-1446) and continued by Antonio Manetti (1423-1497) after Brunelleschi's death. The interior of the façade is the work of Michelangelo; despite his plans, it remains unfinished.
The cathedral, named in honor of Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as the Duomo, is one of the most remarkable symbols of the city of Florence. The vast Gothic structure was built on the site of the 7th century church of Santa Reparata, the remains of which can be seen in the crypt. The magnificent dome was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi and the more recent multicolor façade was completed in 1887 in the neo-Gothic style.
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