During the 14th century, Florence played a dominant role in European politics, economics, and culture. As a result of their power, Florentines self pride was made evident through the construction of multiple landmark buildings. The Florence Cathedral, begun in 1296 by Arnolfo Di Cambio, is remarkable not only in size, but in it's architectural and decorative qualities as well. Originally designed to hold the entire Florentine population, the basilican style church channels Early Christian tradition rather than follow it's Gothic contemporaries in France. In contrast to High Gothic style, the Florence Cathedral does not seem to be built to emphasize height, for all of the geometric shapes of the revetment create a strongly horizontal feel. The exterior walls are remarkably ornate with marble-encrusted geometric designs, exemplary of Tuscan Romaneque traditional architecture.
The Cathedral's campanille was designed much later, in 1334, by Giotto di Bondone. The capanille, standing apart from the main church, upholds the traditional Italian style of the main Cathedral. The interior of the Cathedral has a unique shape. The large dome seems to be the focal point, emphasized by the nave which seems to lead straight to it. A spaciousness felt not even in those lofty High Gothic Cathedral is evident in the Florence Cathedral, for the nave bays are much deeper. Continuing with the exterior, there is a strong emphasis on horizontal elements in the interior. The decoratively ornate capitals of the piers inhibit one's eyes from looking any further upwards, as well as elaborating on the piers structural importance. Unlike the Gothic style's need to dissolve any substantial mass or wall space through the use of light, this cathedral does not seem to care at all about melting away solid structures; there are few windows in comparison, and the structural piers dominate the interior floorspace.
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