Page "Florence Cathedral" Paragraph 33

Brunelleschi's ability to crown the dome with a lantern was questioned and he had to undergo another competition.

He was declared the winner over his competitors Lorenzo Ghiberti and Antonio Ciaccheri.

His design was for an octagonal lantern with eight radiating buttresses and eight high arched windows ( now on display in the Museum Opera del Duomo ).

Construction of the lantern was begun a few months before his death in 1446.

Then, for 15 years, little progress was possible, due to alterations by several architects.

The lantern was finally completed by Brunelleschi's friend Michelozzo in 1461.

The conical roof was crowned with a gilt copper ball and cross, containing holy relics, by Verrocchio in 1469.

This brings the total height of the dome and lantern to 114. 5 metres ( 375 ft ).

This copper ball was struck by lightning on 17 July 1600 and fell down.

It was replaced by an even larger one two years later.