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For our seventh grade history project everyone was required to write a report, and build a model of a Castle or Cathedral. Last summer I spent 3 weeks in Tuscany, and loved it, (it would be hard not to!!!!!) Florence is home to some of the most amazing, and beautiful creations of the renaissance. Although it lost half of its population in the plagues of 1430, and 1438, it prospered. During the renaissance Florence was known for its political power, economic strength, and superb craftsmanship. When I saw the Florence Duomo, I was enchanted. When I learned of the project, I immediately decided to do my project on the Duomo. |
| The Duomo Cathedral, also known as the Santa Maria del Fiore was started in 1296 by a man named Arnofo di Cambio. He built the body of the Cathedral, although it was not until 1420 that the construction of the massive dome began. The dome was designed and built by a man named Fillipo Brunelleschi. The Cathedral is built of red, white, and green marble, except for the roof of the Cathedral, and the dome which were constructed mainly of red Italian tile. The Construction of the dome was indeed very difficult. It was done without the use of framework that was typically used to support heavy materials during the building process. Brunelleschi solved the problem of the massive thrust towards the center of the dome. The dome is actually held together by two domes, and a complex network of arches and buttresses. This was very effective, and relieved alot of pressure from the center of the dome. |
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The process of building the Duomo was very difficult, while at the same time very rewarding. As was the process of building the model. It was diffidently much more challenging than I thought it would be! My model is constructed of paper, and a shoe box. The hardest parts was the tedious work of all the detail on the dome. Overall this was a really fun project!!!!! |
