The Cathedral Complex

The most striking landmark was the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, still unfinished in 1380 but already a symbol of Florentine pride. The great dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi would not be completed until 1436, but the cathedral’s façade and campanile designed by Giotto were already awe-inspiring.

Nearby was the Baptistery of San Giovanni, famous for its bronze doors, including the "Gates of Paradise," though these were completed later in the 15th century. Pilgrims and locals alike visited the Baptistery for baptism, making it a spiritual heart of the city.

Palazzo Vecchio

The Palazzo Vecchio, Florence’s town hall and symbol of republican government, was a fortress-like building situated in the Piazza della Signoria. Visitors to the city might have had business or social reasons to be here. Its tall tower offered views of the city, and its walls echoed with the intrigues of Florentine politics.

Bridges and Markets

The Ponte Vecchio, a medieval stone bridge spanning the Arno River, was lined with shops—mostly butchers and fishmongers at this time—where the market thrived. The river itself was vital for trade and milling.

The Mercato Vecchio was the old market square, a bustling area of commerce with stalls selling cloth, spices, foodstuffs, and luxury goods. The wealth generated here was immense and vital to Florence’s economy. shutdown123