London Toolkit 
Paris Toolkit The Duomo, Florence (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiori)
Briefing for first-time visitors, independent or by tour
The Duomo - an overview
Even for the most travelled of visitors who think they have seen everything, walking into the Piazza di San Giovanni or Piazza del Duomo and being confronted with the Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiori) and the adjacent Campanile and Baptistery is an uplifting experience.
And yes, you will be walking as you visit the Duomo, as the vicinity around the Duomo is pedestrianised.
As soon as you arrive in Florence the red dome of the Duomo and the tower of the Palazzo Vecchio are prominent landmarks reaching high above the rooftops of the city.
At the heart of the historic centre you'll catch glimpses of the red dome as you walk along the winding maze of narrow lanes and alleys. It will save you a lot of time and stress if you get yourself a basic street map. Plenty are available.
The 13th century Sienese architect Arnolfo di Cambio was responsible for building many landmarks in Florence but this is his showstopper. The beautiful ribbed dome was creatively added by Brunelleschi in the 1420s
The building took 170 years to complete, and the facade was remodeled to reflect Cambio’s design in the 19th century.
Inside the Duomo, your eyes are inevitably drawn upwards to that soaring painted dome and lovely stained-glass windows by such masters as Donatello.
Visit the crypt, where Brunelleschi's tomb lies, or to the top of the enormous dome itself for stupendous views over Florence.
The Duomo tickets and practical information
Admission and tickets
A visit to the Duomo is made of several components, not just the Cathedral. There is a single admission ticket giving you access to Brunelleschi's Dome, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistery of San Giovanni, the Crypt of Santa Reparata and the Opera Museum.
You can buy tickets at ticket offices around the Duomo.
Details of guided tours that visit the Duomo are on the links below.
Entrance into the Cathedral itself is free.
Dress code
As a religious site you are required to wear appropriate, respectful clothing. Shorts and skirts need to be to the knee and no hats, sunglasses or sleeveless tops are allowed.
FLORENCE DUOMO COMPLEX & HIDDEN TERRACES
• Climb to very top of Dome • Access to secret rooms & terraces not open to public
Opening times for different areas of Duomo
Entry to the Dome is from 8.30am and is closed all day Sundays.
Entry to the Bell Tower is from 8.30am also and visitors are required to climb 414 steps (no lifts).
Entry to the Crypt is from 10am and is closed all day Sundays and can close at any time for religious events.
The Baptistery is directly opposite the front of the Cathedral and opens most days at 11.15am.
The Opera Museum opens 9am all day, but closed Sunday afternoons.
The Cathedral is closed Sunday mornings and key religious days like Easter Sunday.
MOST POPULAR FLORENCE TOURS 2024
| Popular Tours in & around Florence | |
|---|---|
Florence Hop On, Hop Off Open Top Sightseeing Tour 24 hr, 48 hr and 72 hr tickets |
From €25 |
Best of Florence Half Day Walking Tour Includes Accademia Gallery, Uffizi Gallery and Florence Duomo |
From €120 |
Full Day Highlights Tour of Florence Full day tour with lunch at local restaurant Duomo + Accademia + Uffizi Galleries |
From €87 |
Florence Walking Tour with skip-the-line to Accademia 3-hour small group walking tour inc Accademia Gallery admission |
From €60 |
Accademia Gallery Guided Small Group Tour Home to the original statue of David by Renaissance genius Michelangelo |
From €49 |
|
Experience the world-famous gallery’s Renaissance highlights and architecture. |
From €69 |
Accademia + Uffizi Gallery Guided Tour Small group guided tour of the two major galleries in Florence |
From €111 |
| From €59 | |
The Duomo Complex and Its Hidden Terraces Tour Small group guided tour of Florence cathedral including hidden areas |
From €107 |
| Florence Fast Track Entrance Tickets | |
Accademia Gallery Fast Track Entrance Tickets Home to the original statue of David by Renaissance genius Michelangelo. View ticket option |
|
Uffizi Gallery Fast Track Entrance Tickets 1,500 pieces of art including Michelangelo. View ticket options |
|
Pitti Palace Fast Track Entrance Tickets Renaissance masterpieces, including Raphael, Titian and Rubens. View ticket options |
|
| Day Tours to Tuscany & beyond from Florence | |
Tuscany in One Day Sightseeing Tour Includes Siena, Chianti vineyards, San Gimignano, Pisa |
From €87 |
Siena and San Gimignano Day Trip All entrance fees included |
From €68 |
Half Day Tour To Pisa & Leaning Tower Return coach travel, walking tour, with or without entry to leaning tower |
From €39 |
|
Fully inclusive day of hiking inc lunch |
From €75 |
Cinque Terre Small Group Day Tour Small group (max 8 people) includes boat ride + several villages |
From €223 |
