In Florence, Italy, the construction of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as the Duomo, began in 1378. This architectural marvel, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, would later become a symbol of Renaissance art and culture. The cathedral's innovative dome and intricate design reflected the growing humanist ideals of the time, marking a significant shift in architectural practices and cultural expression in Europe.

The grandeur of the Duomo inspired poets and writers of the Renaissance, including Francesco Petrarch and Giovanni Boccaccio, who celebrated the beauty of Florence in their works. The cathedral's construction also coincided with a flourishing of literature that emphasized humanism, influencing poetic themes around beauty, nature, and the divine.