Gothic architecture in Florence

The Italian Gothic works differ a lot from the North European ones made in the same style, born in the XII century in the Paris region.

In addition to the Duomo, the greatest examples of Florentine Gothic are Santa Croce and Santa Maria Novella.

However, the only element that unites them to the Gothic works of the countries of Northern Europe is the grandeur of the volumes.

In fact, both of them lack the rich decorations typical of the North European Gothic style.

The Basilica of Santa Maria Novella was designed for the Dominican friars.

The interior has an elaborate vaulted ceiling and two typically sober Tuscan colors.

The Basilica of Santa Croce was designed for the Franciscan friars by Arnolfo di Cambio (around 1245-1303).

Like Santa Maria Novella, it has a wooden trussed ceiling, a large central nave and very sober decorations.

In 1299 Arnolfo di Cambio was commissioned to design the building which is now known as Palazzo Vecchio (formerly Palazzo dei Priori and Palazzo della Signoria), which was to serve as the seat of the city government.

Arnolfo di Cambio is also responsible for the design of the Church of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Duomo of Florence.

The architect, however, died before the work was completed.

The bell tower project was instead entrusted to Ambrogio di Bondone known as Giotto.

After his death, the construction was carried out by Andrea Pisano (ca.

1290-1348) and Francesco Talenti (1300-69).

The latter made changes to the design of the Cathedral of Arnolfo di Cambio and also designed the dome that was supposed to cover it.

However, the project was not successful.