The octagonal dome that was to crown Santa Maria del Fiore, the cathedral begun in Florence in 1294, presented the most daunting architectural puzzle of the age: how to raise the highest and widest vault ever attempted. The cupola was to have a span greater than the Roman Pantheon - the world’s largest dome - and vaulting higher than any Gothic cathedral. The logistical problems were enormous.

How could this enormous octagonal structure be made self-supporting? How could the tons of masonry be raised more than 200 feet in the air and laid into place with micrometric accuracy?

This illustrated lecture examines the procedures developed by Filippo Brunelleschi as he worked on the dome between 1420 and 1436, successfully executing what is still the world’s largest masonry dome.

Dr Ross King is the author of many books on Italian and French art and history, including Brunelleschi’s Dome and, most recently, The Bookseller of Florence. His books have been translated into more than a dozen languages, and he has won both the Governor General’s Award in Canada and the BookSense Non-Fiction Book of the Year in the United States. He has lectured widely in both North America and Europe, and given lectures and guided tours in Florence, Rome, Milan, and Paris.

In response to the popularity of our lectures, we've launched a special Membership offer just for people who are enjoying our free lectures. If you sign up as a Member by Direct Debit, from as little as just £3.50 a month, and use the offer code LECTURE we'll send you a free copy of The Secret Language of Churches and Cathedrals: Decoding the Sacred Symbolism of Christianity's Holy Buildings by Dr Richard Stemp!

Details of how to become a member, benefits of membership, and how to claim your FREE BOOK can be found 👉https://bit.ly/2OTj5DT

We’re selling Dr Ross King’s latest book published this year, “The Bookseller of Florence” and his book “Brunelleschi’s Dome: The Story of the Great Cathedral of Florence”

You can buy them together as part of a special bundle price of just £26 plus P&P (RRP for both is £35.98). Buy the bundle deal here: https://bit.ly/3Hsy3Lc

Or buy The Bookseller of Florence on its own here: https://bit.ly/3qOy9a6

Buy Brunelleschi’s Dome: The Story of the Great Cathedral of Florence here:https://bit.ly/3Ft5njc