Which architect engineered the dome of Florence Cathedral, completed in 1436 during the Italian Renaissance?

Filippo Brunelleschi engineered the dome of Florence Cathedral, completed in 1436 during the Italian Renaissance. The enormous masonry dome covered the cathedral crossing without the traditional temporary wooden centering that would have supported each ring during construction.

Brunelleschi won a 1418 competition for the project, although construction involved years of technical experimentation and conflict with other officials and craftsmen. He developed a double-shell structure, herringbone brickwork, and specialized lifting machines to raise heavy materials.

The dome was built for Santa Maria del Fiore, whose cathedral had been under construction since the late 13th century. It remains one of Florence’s defining landmarks and strongly influenced later Renaissance architecture. A common mix-up is attributing the cathedral’s entire design to Brunelleschi; Arnolfo di Cambio began the cathedral, while Brunelleschi was chiefly responsible for the dome.