Brunolleski's passion of mathematics and mechanics

Brunelleski studied mathematics and mechanics hard, measuring and investigating the ruins of buildings. More enormous influence on the selection of methods showed the ideas of Florentine mathematician and astronomer Paolo Dale Potstso Toskanelli (1397-1482). All this allowed the architect to find the method of constructing this cathedral. The previous cupolas were small and hemispherical. For example, the cupola of Pantheon in Rome consists of one shell and has an opening in the apex, through which the interior of temple is illuminated (the only source of natural light).

Although the “Opera Dale Duomo” members objected the project in the beginning, starting of the construction was allowed after all.

The erection of cupola without curve pieces for maintaining the arch was the main famous Brunelleski’s achievement. The Gothic arches of the Santa-Maria del Fiore eight-edged gallery were lower than the arches of cupola. And in addition, the central gallery arches had wooden support.