Florence Duomo Tickets and Tours: how to buy, prices and schedules
Its colours, its size and the square that houses it will leave you speechless, but you should also visit the inside of the Cathedral. I'll tell you how
The Duomo illuminated at night | ©Naval S
If there's one thing you can't miss on a trip to Florence, it's a visit to the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral. Known locally as the Duomo, it is one of the largest Christian temples in the world. There are different options to visit the Florence Cathedral, so I'll summarise the best ones for you to choose the one that suits your trip and your budget:
Florence Brunelleschi Dome Climb, Museum and Baptistery Visit
Take a guided tour of Florence's Duomo and climb the Dome at the best price
The best option para conocer a fondo la Catedral de Florencia, recorrerla por dentro y comprender sus obras de arte y además subir a la Cúpula. Te saltarás las largas filas de acceso con estas entradas.
When you approach the imposing cathedral and see the queues that form at the door, you'll be infinitely glad you took this guided tour in English with entrance to the dome in advance. With this option, you will skip the long queues to go up to the dome of the Florence Cathedral and to enter it.
In addition, entrance to the Baptistery and the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo is also included, making it a great option for the most complete visit to all the interesting elements of the square.
What is included in this tour
- English-speaking guide for a 1-hour tour of the dome and the Cathedral for the remaining time
- Skip-the-line entrance to the Cathedral and the dome
- Access (not skip-the-line) to the Baptistery and the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo
Florence Duomo Cathedral, Dome, Baptistery and Opera Museum Tour
Take a guided tour of the Duomo, its dome and the monuments of the Piazza del Duomo.
Florence's Duomo is spectacular, but so are the Battisterio, the Campanile and Brunelleschi's Dome, as well as the Opera Museum. See it all on a guided tour.
For an even more complete and personalised experience (albeit at a higher price), you can take a guided tour with skip-the-line access to the Cathedral and its dome, the Baptistery and the Museo dell'Opera. In addition, this visit will take place in groups of a maximum of 20 people.
What is included in this tour
- Professional Art History expert guide
- Fast track entry and guided tour of the Florence Duomo
- Fast track entry and guided tour of the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo
- Fast track entry and guided tour of the Battistero di San Giovanni
- Fast track entry to Brunelleschi's Dome
- Fast track entry to the Campanile di Giotto, which you can climb on your own within 72 hours of your tour
Timetable of the Cathedral
The Duomo of Florence is open every day of the week, but with different opening hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm.
- Thursday from 10.00 am to 3.30 pm
- Saturday from 10.00 am to 4.45 pm.
- Sunday and public holidays from 1.30 pm to 4.45 pm.
How to get to Florence Cathedral
Located in the historic centre of Florence, in Piazza del Duomo, you can reach the Florence Cathedral on foot if your hotel is in the centre. Otherwise, you can always reach it by bus (Lines 6, 11, 14, 23, C1 and C2) and tram (Alamanni, T1).
Vicky's Traveller Tip
Please note that you are not allowed to enter the Florence Cathedral with shorts or bare shoulders.
What to do and what to see in Piazza del Duomo
Walk around the Piazza del Duomo
The focal point of any trip to Florence, the Piazza del Duomo is a feast for the eyes, bringing together in one place some of the city's most outstanding historic buildings.
Climb the Dome of the Florence Cathedral
This architectural marvel, 114 metres high and 45 metres in diameter, was the greatest work of the great architect Filippo Brunelleschi, who built it over 14 years and almost a century after the completion of Florence Cathedral.
Its construction was first a source of scepticism and for centuries a mystery for architecture, given the great weight and size of its structure. If you want to get a closer look at its height and the impressive frescoes that decorate it, such as Vasari's 'The Last Judgement', you will have to climb a steep climb of 463 steps. However, if only for the panoramic views of the city of Florence at the top, it is well worth the effort.
Discover the Baptistery of St. John the Baptist
The Battistero di San Giovanni, commemorating the saint, is the second element of the architectural complex of the Duomo and is located opposite the Duomo. It is the oldest building in the Piazza del Duomo, begun in the 11th century, as can be seen in the spectacular golden Byzantine mosaics on its dome.
Its façade stands out for its three entrance doors, among which Ghiberti's "The Door of Paradise" stands out. It is composed of 10 bronze panels, a replica of the originals exhibited in the Duomo Museum, with reliefs depicting parts of the Old Testament. Inside you can also see the tomb of John XXIII, whose tomb was designed by Donatello.
Climb the Giotto's Bell Tower
Considered the most beautiful bell tower in Italy for its delicate decorations in colourful marble and the harmony of its proportions, the Campanile of Florence Cathedral completes the Duomo complex. The bell tower serves as a spectacular viewpoint, with views similar to those offered by the dome of the Duomo, and by climbing the 414 steps that lead to its 84-metre-high terrace.
It was built by the master Giotto and finished after his death by Andrea Pisano in 1359. To see its original statues visit the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.
Enter the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo
If you have more time, a visit to the Museo del Duomo is worthwhile to see the original sculptures that decorated the Piazza del Duomo, with the reliefs of Ghiberti's "The Gate of Paradise" and the authentic statues of the Campanile, as well as objects, such as original tools and sketches, used for the construction of the Florence Cathedral.
Other interesting sights in Florence
If you enjoyed this article on how to visit the Duomo in Florence, don't miss my other Florence travel tips in the following guides: Florence Hop on Hop off Bus Tours, Uffizi Gallery Tickets and Tours in Florence: how to buy, prices and schedules y Accademia Gallery Tickets and Tours in Florence: how to buy, prices and discounts.
If you are interested in exploring the city in depth or even going on an excursion around Florence, here are the guides I have prepared for you: Tours and Daytrips from Florence, Cinque Terre Day Trips from Florence, Siena Day Trips from Florence y Pisa Day Trips from Florence.
Frequently asked questions
Why should I go up to the Duomo Complex?
From inside the Duomo you can admire Vasari's impressive frescoes and enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Florence. But you'd better be prepared: to get there you will have to climb more than four hundred steps and, of course, there is no lift.
How long does it take to visit the Cathedral complex?
Visiting all the major sites of the cathedral can take up to two days. However, most tours last around an hour, and will show you the highlights of the complex such as the baptistery, Giotto's bell tower, Santa Maria del Fiore, the Opera del Duomo and you'll even have the chance to climb up to the panoramic terrace of the Museum.
What else can I see in the Duomo complex?
If you feel like seeing more of the Duomo's wonders, you can visit Brunelleschi's Dome, the crypt of Santa Reparata or Piazza San Giovanni. You can also take a tour of the Duomo's secret rooftops and terraces, which are not open to the general public.