Crypt of Santa Reparata (inside the Cathedral)

Inside the Cathedral steps lead down to the excavations that uncovered the ancient cathedral of Santa Reparata,evidence of the earliest Christianity in Florence, demolished after the new cathedral had been completed. Probably begun in the 6th century and then modified in the Romanesque age (addition of the crypt), the church remained in use while the new building was being erected.

Currently there are Roman and medieval finds, tombstones and fragments of the polychrome mosaic floor with geometric decorations. And it is here that the architect of the dome, Filippo Brunelleschi, is buried.