How Was the World's Biggest Dome Built? - Florence Cathedral

[@ManuelBravo]

What is your favorite Renaissance building?

[@Joshua_Knowles_]

the piazza san marco in venice or florence cathedral 👍👍

[@Nicods]

Brabante's Tempietto di San Pietro in Montorio in Roma.

[@29trent]

The Pazzi Chapel at Sta Croce or the Vasari Corridor

[@Rays_Bad_Decisions]

The largest dome is Hagia Sofia in Istanbul until modern stadiums were built

[@msrjorge1805]

Wow! Magnificent dome and the video with great explanations

[@FlorentPlacide]

I went to Firenze when I was young and I was awestruck by the mystery and the magnificence of this city. Most of it is so well-preserved you can feel the centuries and the thousands of lives that spent here just by walking the streets. I long to go back and to wander and wonder in the former Republic. Thank you for this video and these amazing shots.

[@scj8863]

8

[@stan.rarick8556]

The view from the Piazzale Michelangelo is much the same as seen in woodcuts from hundreds of years before

[@Avarage_White_Bryan]

Assassin's Creed II

[@johnenglish929]

He was way ahead of his time in terms of concern for the safety of his workers. From memory, only two people dies in the building of the Duomo - sad, but incredibly low compared with the standards at the time. An incredible man. A true genius.

[@Davidson015]

Given the scale and difficulty of the construction two deaths is a low number even compared to today's standards. Source: I have a construction company.

[@marcoriglione6819]

i’m from florence, born here, this is a awesome video, thank you ❤

[@1fandik]

Being on top of the dome was the most amazing experience ever. And not to mention climbing and seeing all the skeleton up close. What human hands can do with minimal tools is astounding. È capolavoro costruito per generazioni

[@jammasterjay4298]

One of the best experiences I’ve ever had!!!!!!!!

[@jusilva6751]

Brunelleschi was such a genius! Amazing video, as always! ❤️

[@ManuelBravo]

He was indeed! Thanks for your comment Ju!

[@argiberico]

I wonder who FLorentines love more, Brunelleschi o Batistuta 😅

[@BauAuslese]

One genius is not enough for a task of this magnitude. You need a crowd of experienced workers who are very well organized. In that aspect the dome is a testimony to cooperation, discipline and maybe to religious faith who led them to take the risk.

[@AndyFromBeaverton]

@@ManuelBravo He was the original Renaissance man before Leonardo da Vinci took his crown.

[@danielefabbro822]

Brunelleschi and the Bernini was the two most prolific and illustrious artists of their time.

[@michaelallen5505]

Also amazing was the hoist to lift the thousands of tons of material. It was driven by oxen turning in a circle. It used a special feature for lowering material without the oxen changing direction. Yes, he also invented the reverse gear!

[@maily8388]

I always amazed how the Roman could hoist the building materials up to the hills since most of Italy cities are up hills. There’s only 20% flat land in Italy. Since walking alone uphills we were huffing buffing. On top of that, how could the Roman pumped water uphills and how public fountains water created pressures to pump the water for Romanians to use?

[@lupepedraza8497]

I climbed the Dome. What a marvelous construction!

[@solecipollari]

Lasy month I was visiting Firenze and Italy for the first time in my life (really hope not the only one) and spent my birthday evening climbing the campanile and I was up there and I cried, listening to someone playing Allelujah in the street. Now I watch your video and I'm crying again. That places and experiences are uniques and incredibles. Thank you for this wonderful video! Greets from Córdoba, Argentina. 🙂🙃

[@pepumarius2006]

when visiting Florence this summer, I wondered what would a construction work genius like Brunelleschi achieve if he lived in modern times? The visit to the top of the dome was a bit... difficult, but oh boy was it worth the effort. All the way up you can marvel at his genius as you can observe details in the construction. Loved each and every moment of it. Great video Manuel!

[@danielefabbro822]

Just go google Renzo Piano.

[@oreodepup]

Unfortunately these designs are not in use anymore. Classical design is not taught any longer and is not in style. Also it costs more to do it this way, especially in the world of concrete, steel and prefabrication. What we don’t understand though is that the initial cost of these buildings is higher but they quite literally have better quality. Stone does not deteriorate whereas steel and concrete does. It symbolizes our society in a way I suppose. We’d rather use the cheap, nonrenewable, and un-reusable material to build boring buildings which will get rebuilt in the relative near future instead of building long lasting beautiful buildings out of the superior yet more non economical material.

[@wadeunderhile7977]

Was there in the late 70s absolutely beautiful and amazing. The old bridge that crosses the river is amazing, a beautiful city

[@hugodesrosiers-plaisance3156]

As a journeyman woodworker, the sheer class and ingenuity of some solutions people came up with in those days is absolutely inspiring. I recently subscribed to your channel and I'm loving every video so far. Thanks for posting!

[@Ozymandi_as]

First time I've seen one of your videos, just appeared in my feed, and reminded me of my first trip to Florence as a student, many years ago. I dimly remembered that double skin construction, and the stairway that wound through it. And the view from the cupola over those terracotta rooftops. Your explanation of Brunelleschi's ingenuity, and the lessons he'd learnt from classical Rome, was really good. Amazing how intuitive he was, before the maths and physics of calculus and catenaries was available to help him. It seems that like many others, he must have been inspired by Florence. The art, the architecture, the literature and the ideas that came from men who found their way to that city illuminated all of Europe, after centuries under darkness. It's fantastic that so much of what was laid out, built and made 6 centuries ago has survived intact for us to admire and learn from today.

[@tc3884]

6:54 when I visited florence, I didn’t read up on the dome before I saw it for the first time. I marvelled at its beauty and the fact that the structures that keep the dome together are hidden under beautiful, colourful marble art. When I saw the part bare wall below the dome I thought I’m lucky to see it because this must be due to restoration works on the marble. How wrong I was ! It’s amazing to learn that they made the choice to leave this part of the wall uncovered. It proves that they knew, people would wanna see a part of structure below the beautiful marble cover. So well thought out !

[@kacperwoch4368]

Honestly I doubt this story, Michelangelo did not own the cathedral to make such decision, far more likely they run out of money and left it unfinished. The facade also remained unfinished for centuries until it was finished.

[@HenrikoMagnifico]

I can't believe they made Assassin's Creed II in real life

[@FoodNerds]

😂😂😂😂

[@Bosse_C]

people these days copy anything

[@JanVP1]

9:58 That's what I thought too: "When you climb to the top of the campanile"

[@kenjd57]

Thanks for the in-depth history of the dome in Florence.

[@HamelinSong]

Fun facts: It took about 140 years to finish this cathedral. The bronze orb fell twice. The thobolate of the dome is ornate only on one of the 8 sides, the rest did not fell, Baccio d'Agnolo created the balcony, but Michelangelo said it was ugly so, offended, he never finished it. Yes, 727 years later, still not finished (take that Sagrada familia!)

[@hazhoner5727]

The genius of Italians spread among all human fields

[@henrylares9269]

Excellent documentary… and that comes from an Architectural History professor. Keep up the good work.

[@myvirtualpresencefyi]

Thank you so much. I visited the dome in 1986. In the 90s I studied Architecture so I'd have said that I was quite knowledgeable about this subject but your video & explanation is on another level. Professionally: thank you. Emotionally: thank you.

[@starcrib]

Again: your skills at storytelling and production value is absolutely engaging, historical, and factual. Thanks for this. 🌍🌎🌏

[@roberttodd8889]

The amazing thing about the elevator/lift for materials was that Brunelleschi invented a transmission that allowed both raising and lowering of the lift without reversing the horses. They could continue to move the same direction in a circle and the position of the transmission would determine whether the lift was raising or lowering.

[@lancer525]

Oxen, not horses.

[@brunerguy1]

This is the best description of the Dome I've ever seen! Thanks!

[@bwhog]

Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant design and execution! What a fascinating look at the structure Brunelleschi was inspired to build and what a tremendous marvel of his day. I'm always fascinated by what people were capable of in the days before highly refined mathematics and structural engineering, not to mention machines to make the work faster and easier if not merely possible in the first place. Magnificent!

[@pep_4_climate]

Say bravo to you Manuel! That's a great story that combines Architecture, Solid Mechanics, Arts, and History! Wish you the best! :)

[@mcswordfish]

Fantastic and interesting video. I've been to Florence twice, climbed the Duomo once, and it remains one of the most spectacular buildings I've ever visited.

[@stephenmccallion3407]

Fantastic documentary, and Mr. Bravo is an excellent teacher!

[@SJR_Media_Group]

Thank you for an amazing video... Even today this would be considered a very technical build. The fact he did it hundreds of years ago is beyond amazing. The Romans thought they had mastered gravity and structures. Brunelleschi definitely exceeded even the best Roman Architecture. Now we know who, where, why, and how it was done.

[@kesharisuthar3268]

Myself and wife visited FLORENCE in September 2008. Not only this super dome, entire city is like a large sized museum. Stunning sculptures, breathtaking & beautiful buildings, classic churches, finest floor designs, wonderful wall paintings ; these all combine to make FLORENCE the best heritage city. ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@johngrono]

how exciting that must have been! all the best to you and yours 🌻 south west australia

[@kesharisuthar3268]

@@johngrono Exceedingly thankful for your great response. 😊😊🙏🙏

[@3399italiano]

Absolutely fantastic video, Manuel ! Thank you so much. Very clear, very detailed and yet succint explanation of how one of Mankind’s masterpieces was built. An absolutely MUST WATCH for anyone planning to visit but also for those who alredy visited !

[@kenichinishikawa7007]

This video is marvelous. I saw many videos about the dome but this video is the best. I need to visit the dome and appreciate it by myself. Thanks.

[@RichieTyndall]

Oh, how I would love to visit Florence and see this wonder for myself. I remember watching a tv series on its construction. Thanks a million for this video.

[@prototropo]

Thank you, Manuel! Your videos are so beautifully narrated, with such a deep command of architecture theory.

[@goatboy7698]

your pronunciation of the names is almost perfect, good job dude!

[@anupamroy7935]

Excellent work.

[@MySpace662]

A massive undertaking for it's time, and brilliantly executed.

[@drew6194]

It's much more of a massive undertaking for this time. Nothing we build now can compare to this in any manner.

[@kutsev.naumenko.alexandr]

Спасибо, Мануэль! Отличный рассказ о том событии, которое называется: "Постройка купола собора во Флоренции без лесов". Событие это, как вы видите, уникально настолько, что ему не перестают сильно удивляться до сих пор.

[@williamfahey6066]

Wonderful video ! This is the best, and the most interesting video I have ever seen of the Florence Cathedral Dome. Thank you, Jeff

[@DavidMcCoul]

Loved the video, and Florence is my favorite Italian city. Bravo, Manuel!

[@gfernandez54]

Manuel, es un placer seguir tus videos en KZbin. Que manera tan sencilla y clara de transmitir la historia. Yo, acunulo tus videos en playlists propios, los estudio, llevo notas y listas de nombres y vocabulario. El mundo es tan grande!! Me estoy concentrando por ahora en Roma y alrededores. Gracias y saludos, Jorge

[@antoniomonter0]

Manuel, tus videos son una verdadera inspiración, de verdad te admiro muchísimo. Sigue con ese excelente trabajo 🧠

[@maximamuster2013]

had the luck visiting Florence in 2021. Hardly tourists, I was on the top of the dome (no waiting line) and had an exlusive tour through the dome (bc I was the only one who booked it). Florence seemed so empty (been there several times). Same with Venice end of 2020. Corona was the best time for travelling in Europe!

[@amalkardaly1652]

I cant imagone how proud he must have been to see it finally finished!

[@cweisgard]

Thank you for a wonderful video. I am reading Ross King's book and wanted to see a video about the construction. National Geographics title "How an Amateur Built the World's Biggest Dome" was so derogatory, so I chose your video instead and am most grateful I did!

[@emeterioacuin6564]

The Cathedral of Florence...Was Featured in 007 James Bond Film....Where The Villain Fall on the Roof inside The Cathedral.....There is Warning that Wood Would Collapse....Cause it is Being Repaired During The Filming....❤

[@szechuon6971]

My husband and I just went to the top of the dome! So beautiful! The detail, the artistry, it was magnificent!

[@ManuelBravo]

I'm glad you enjoyed the view from the top, it truly is a masterpiece!

[@edwardlobb931]

I attended Midnight Mass at the Duomo on Christmas eve, six decades ago. Very few were there, perhaps three deep around the circumference of the marble railing. Candles were the only illumination. The Mass, recited in Tridentine Oratory, resonated from the vastness above.

[@charbelsamaha1409]

love the videos! Keep up the great work

[@ShortandWide]

I remember climbing up to to top of the dome when I was in Florence four years ago. I use climbing because that was not an easy assent. I nearly had a claustrophobia attack on those tight spiral staircases on the way up. The view was beyond worth it

[@josephleonard6695]

i would fight my claustrophobia to get to the top of that

[@spaniardsrmoors6817]

Imagine having to build that and over 500 years ago...no A/C , heat, restaurant served meals, etc.

[@georgebernstein12]

It’s the most beautiful, awe inspiring building I’ve ever seen & the gates of paradise being in the complex makes it a must see while in Firenze !

[@danielsantos3124]

Nice video! You might be interested in knowing that after a recent restauration, the romanic cupola of the Zamora Cathedral in Spain, finished in 1174, it was found to be the first double casquet cupola so far in history of architecture. It's a very nice cupola of bizantinian influence.

[@zaynalsikder9213]

love❤️🇮🇹 Italy. love Italian history and culture🇧🇩❤️🇮🇹

[@jeffbrinkerhoff5121]

Before Brunelleschi secured the commission there was a younger rival, Bartolomeo Boromini, also soliciting for the job. I believe the story is told in the book you mention, "Brunelleschi's Dome". Very nice video.

[@robertopinzani6774]

Bartolomeo Boromini? The concorrent of Filippo Lapi was Lorenzo Ghiberti ,initially they lead the built of the dome together , Bartolomeo Borromini never existed, maybe you refer to Francesco Borromini but he lived two centuries after Filippo Lapi ( Brunelleschi or Filippo di Brunellesco Lapi, Ser Pippo for us the florentines) Or maybe you refer to Michelozzo di Bartolomeo learner under Ghiberti , who lived and operated in Florence in middle 1400 being the architet of Cosimo il vecchio. Study bro.... you and fives who puts likes on your comment.

[@robertopinzani6774]

Son genti da sempre di cervice dura Quest americani di schiatta todesca E quando commentano d arte o cultura Cazzate son l unica cosa che gli esca Dimostrano sempre la loro natura E' l unica cosa che ben gli riesca Commentano scrivon da grandi soloni E mostrano d esser dei pori poponi

[@pietromar632]

@@robertopinzani6774 HUMILITAS!

[@xhorxheetxeberria-td1hu]

@@pietromar632 Why? Facts are important. Ignorance should NEVER be tolerated EVER.

[@DouDouMa]

Thank you for the sharing! Real amazing to understand how it was built. Thank you!

[@HzrdHaze]

Truly the most magnificent city in Europe

[@immanuellasker4273]

"If it was a good idea, it would have come to mind to someone else already". This is the set of mind innovators have to deal with in Italy since that time.

[@brettjohnson6807]

One of my favorite memories is climbing all the stairs in that dome and Giotto's belltower, and the views of the interior and exterior of that amazing dome. If anyone gets the opportunity to do so I highly recommend it! Great video!

[@andreadanaegomez5396]

Me encantó! Súper bien explicado y cuando fui a Florencia me había quedado con la duda! Muchas gracias

[@MH3GL]

Great video. Well put together and very informative. 👏 However, I have a hard time calling these men's knowledge of the forces of nature "limited" when their work and results say otherwise. I would say the thing that was "limited" was their mesns of execution.

[@shinola228]

Great video. Truly amazing how massive it is and well engineered. That latern alone must weigh hundreds of tons.

[@joesaunders9337]

Fantastic video, fantastic channel! Thank you for this 👍

[@frankschmitzer5824]

Very wonderful, please forgive me for an earlier comment I made regarding your voice . . . I am sorry. After I actually listened to what you were saying and your truly inspired explanations of these extraordinary buildings, I realized that you are one of the best historians of architecture on the Internet. A million sincere thank yous.

[@matthewclatworthy3597]

Great video, thank you ! 👏👏🙏

[@roxanner1426]

Genial amo la arquitectura y tus videos gracias desde México

[@vergelsevilla3594]

Manuel, you deserve 10 million subs. I love hearing the stories behind medieval architecture.

[@lorenzosessa1021]

I can not believe that our civilization 500 years ago had the ability to build such a grand structure that today would be impossible to construct. This tells me as it should tell everyone with some common scents that a civilization with technology beyond ours existed.

[@RustyShakleford1]

True we just have a different type of high technology today which most;y just emslaves us

[@Sailor-Dave]

Amazing understanding of architectural needs far before most modern architectural principles were founded. Made great use of existing materials along with novel construction techniques.

[@rascal587]

Thanks!

[@ManuelBravo]

Thank you!

[@Conversations_with_QT]

And what a video it was! Much love from Pakistan! God bless you!

[@gregmuon]

Excellent documentary. I once obsessed over Il Duomo until I understood how Brunelleschi had managed to raise the dome without scaffolding. While there are many sophisticated details, the crux of it is that the vertical bricks of the herringbone act like the key brick of an arch. As the day's bricks are laid, the vertical key bricks project above the rows of horizontal bricks. The next day, the mortar is set enough that the horizontal rows can essentially be wedged between the vertical key bricks.

[@hyderhode]

Thank you for this video. I read Brunelleschi's Dome in preparation for my trip to Florence several years ago. This video was a perfect review of both the book and that trip, reminding me to read the book again, and to visit Florence again too.

[@tnd7216]

Very impressed with attention to details in your description and meticulous videography!

[@MicaFarrierRheayan]

The fact that it lasted so long and still looks classic is a wonder to behold

[@carolynmcpherson2667]

Very well done! I would highly recommend this to everyone who has been there, and to anyone who wants to visit in the future. Bravo!

[@christopherderrah3294]

I was there in the fall of '88. I was lucky in that I walked up to the top with a young, enthusiastic architectural student who explained the construction to me.

[@cuenteinvitades9604]

I went to Firenze like 2 Months ago, I saw this video and another one, and I regret of don’t appreciate the building as I should have, and in the museum I did not even stopped to look at the models of the dome and understand how it was built, that is more than what someone can imagine

[@ClassicHolic]

What an absolutely awesome video and channel. Thank you so much!

[@sukkamus1]

I was in Italy for couple of weeks in 2016 and visited Firenze always remember The change of scenery when i stepped out of The train station Like i was living in the renaissance period I would gladly live the rest of my life in that city Just for the scenery

[@skicrz]

Terrific explanation and minitour of one of the Renaissance most beautiful buildings. The Duomo is so much more breathtaking in person and the climb up theCampanile to see the Dome is worth every step and a better view than the climb up the Dome.

[@kathleenklaiber7967]

Fantastic storytelling! Really interesting! Thank-you so much!

[@matthewb3113]

Great video, and enjoyed learning the engineering used in the past.

[@thomash6853]

Very informative, great video as usual!

[@jko7654]

For me the highlight was the last judgment fresco. Just breathtaking and in awe.

[@andressandoval2494]

Excelente video. Muchas gracias Manuel por compartirlo. Seguro hay detrás una gran dósis de esfuerzo e investigación dedicada. En estos días resulta increíble pensar siquiera en elevar una obra monumental de esta índole sin la ayuda de las máquinas y la actual tecnología de los materiales. ¡¡Una obra sencillamente notable!!

[@brianhayes8986]

I just just stumbled upon your channel and I love your vlogs and your history

[@williamcotten4539]

I always enjoy your videos. Thank you.

[@blingiy]

You did a wonderful video about this monumental work, and being a builder and I have visited Florence, I was very interested in how they accomplished such a incredible task!!

[@HengtimeConsult]

An Excellent documentation, Manuel. Thank you for the deteiled insights of the great engineering involved to building the cupola!

[@Sagan8]

Thanks for this video, Manuel. So educational. Makes me want to go back to Italy again and visit Florence this time.

[@petebrandon8164]

Thank you so much- very excellent presentation ! I read Ross Kings excellent book also-So much of the Duomo is fascinating, and so much of Florence. I can’t wait to watch your other presentations!

[@davidsciascia4654]

Bravo Manuel! I love your explanation, and your accent! Thank you.

[@jovanmilenkovic2238]

What an amazing video! Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge and enrich our lives! 😊

[@stevenreichertart]

Thanks you for your insightful video with beautiful narration.

[@ronaldhorton2438]

Brilliant video, thank you. Make more you have a really good style.

[@michaelkirkby6306]

Beautiful subject matter and a very well done video. Thank you.

[@iliemarculescu6363]

So beautiful, thank you very much !

[@visualcheshire]

5:34 is just the eureka moment I was waiting for! I was wondering why the solutions used in Hagia Sophia and in Ravena hadn't been used here so thank you very much for clarifying that!

[@GoliathAngelus]

Man,,i love your story telling,i can imagine everything without watching the video!!

[@FriendshipandPonies]

I'm living in Florence right now, about 5 minutes away from the Duomo. It's a beautiful city, unlike anything I've ever seen before.

[@geckoman1011]

This was very well made. Excellent visuals.

[@melaniemccool1762]

Thank you so much. This is such an interesting and well done video!