Why go
This pair of details rewards a slower approach to the cathedral. The crypt preserves evidence of Roman houses, an early Christian pavement and the earlier cathedral of Santa Reparata; Brunelleschi's modest tomb lies near its entrance. Outside, the bronze portal doors and mosaics date from 1899 to 1903, showing that the familiar façade is much later than the medieval church behind it.
What to look for
- In the crypt, look for traces of Roman houses, early Christian paving and Santa Reparata.
- Find Brunelleschi's deliberately simple tomb near the crypt entrance.
- At the main portal, study the bronze doors and the mosaics in the lunettes above them.
Useful to know
- Read the portal before entering, then use the crypt to move backward through the site's earlier layers.
- Check current cathedral access arrangements if the crypt is a priority, since its visit depends on interior entry.