Florence Cathedral (Duomo)
Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore
Brunelleschi's red dome is the crowning feature of Florence's skyline. Climb 463 steps to the top, or buy a combined ticket that includes Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistery's Gates of Paradise and the Opera del Duomo Museum.
Construction of the Florence Cathedral, Santa Maria del Fiore, began in 1296 and was completed in 1436. It is the fourth-largest church in the world. Its white, green and red marble facade was completed in the 19th century, while Brunelleschi's brick dome, 45 meters in diameter, pioneered Renaissance architecture and remains the largest brick-and-stone dome in the world. The complex includes five parts. The cathedral itself is free to enter and has a simple interior. Its highlights are the fresco of the Last Judgment on the inside of the dome, painted by Vasari and Zuccari, and the portrait of Dante. Queues often exceed 30 minutes. The dome climb involves 463 narrow steps, with close-up views of the frescoes along the way and panoramic views of the city from the top. A timed reservation on the official website is required. Giotto's Bell Tower has 414 steps and offers the best vantage point for photographing the full dome. The Baptistery of San Giovanni features Ghiberti's gilded bronze 'Gates of Paradise', which here are replicas, and a Byzantine-style mosaic dome inside. The Museo dell'Opera del Duomo houses the original Gates of Paradise, Donatello's Mary Magdalene and Michelangelo's Pietà. Three-day combined passes are available. The Brunelleschi Pass, at 30 euros, includes the dome. The Giotto Pass, at 20 euros, includes the bell tower but not the dome. The Ghiberti Pass, at 15 euros, covers only the museum and baptistery. Book through duomo.firenze.it. During peak season, dome time slots should be reserved 2 to 4 weeks in advance. Booking the dome for 8:15 a.m. helps you avoid crowds and heat, and in the afternoon you can visit the bell tower or museum. The cathedral is a 10-minute walk from the train station. The dome stairs are narrow and use the same passage for going up and down, so those with a fear of heights or claustrophobia should consider skipping it. Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter the cathedral. Restaurants around the square are pricey, so try a lampredotto sandwich at the nearby Mercato Centrale instead.
Opening hours
Church 10:15–15:45 (closed Sundays); dome 08:15–18:45; bell tower 08:15–18:45
Nearby sights
- Giotto's Campanile
- Bargello National Museum
- Piazza della Signoria
- Medici Chapels & Basilica of San Lorenzo
- Palazzo Vecchio
- Galleria dell'Accademia
- Mercato Centrale
- Uffizi Gallery