Address: Piazza Duomo
The
remains of Santa Reparata provide important information about the
art, history and topography of Florence. Santa Reparata, the old
cathedral of Florence, kept this dedication until 1412. Its
oldest remains are probably at the same level as the Roman city,
or else at that of the
Baptistery.
In 1965 excavations were begun inside the cathedral to recover
remains of the oldest church on the site; these brought to light
unexpected networks of building pointing to the existence of two
churches prior to that of Santa Reparata. The first may be dated
to round 780 and from it was found a beautiful parapet carved
with figures. After this it seems that the next changes in the
building took place in Romanesque times, when the pavement was
raised by as much as one metre; the third and last transformation
took place as is well known in the thirteenth century when the
pavement was again raised to within 90 cm. of its present level.
Among all these varying pavement levels were found many
fourteenth century pietra serena tombstones, now
visible, which had been buried as the various
changes took place. The polychrome geometric mosaics from the
eighth century pavement are also on show, while on the walls are
fresco fragments revealing the various phases and styles of
decoration.
One of the more important discoveries was the tomb of
Brunelleschi,
which dates from the year of his death, 1446. A gallery has been
created allowing a view of the exterior of the apse, the
structure of the old building; using new support and old
architectural elements the crypt has been restored to the
appearance it must have had for the faithful of the past.
