Florence Cathedral Tickets and Tours

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
Florence Cathedral Tickets and Tours

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More about: Florence Cathedral Tickets and Tours

If there is one thing you cannot miss on a trip to Florence, it is a visit to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Known locally as the Duomo, it is one of the largest Christian churches in the world. There are different options for visiting Florence Cathedral, so here is a summary of the best ones so you can choose the one that best suits your trip and your budget:

The best option

Florence Duomo Guided Tour

Discover the heart of the Renaissance in Florence

Discover the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with this 1-hour guided tour that includes skip-the-line entry and extended access to key monuments for 3 days.

With this guided tour of Florence Cathedral, you will delve into the spiritual and artistic heart of the city, exploring one of the most emblematic monuments of the Renaissance. Skip the long queues and enter the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with an expert guide who will reveal the secrets of its architecture and decoration.

During an hour-long tour, you will explore the interior of the Duomo while learning about the history of its construction, the masterpieces it houses and the symbolism behind its frescoes and most outstanding features. From its origins in the 13th century to the completion of Brunelleschi's impressive dome, every corner will connect you to the artistic grandeur of Florence.

The ticket also allows you to visit the Baptistery, the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo and the ancient Basilica of Santa Reparata within three days of your visit, offering a complete and flexible experience to discover this monumental complex at your own pace.

Recommended if... you want to explore one of the most iconic symbols of the Renaissance in depth, with an expert guide, priority entry and extended access to the treasures of the Duomo complex.

The option with a view

Florence Duomo Brunelleschi Dome Tickets

Climb to the top of Brunelleschi's dome with reserved entry

Enjoy Florence from above with reserved access to the dome of the Duomo and an audio guide that will reveal all its architectural secrets.

After exploring the interior of the cathedral, you can go even further and climb to the top of the Duomo with this ticket to Brunelleschi's dome with an audio guide. A unique experience that allows you to discover the architectural genius of the Renaissance first-hand as you climb the 463 steps to the top.

Avoid the queues and gain direct access with your reserved ticket. Throughout the ascent, a downloadable audio guide will accompany you with detailed explanations about the construction of the dome, its frescoes and its impact on the history of art. From the top, the panoramic views of Florence will take your breath away.

What's more, your ticket will allow you to visit other monuments in the complex for the following 24 hours: the Baptistery, the Duomo Opera Museum, Santa Reparata and Giotto's Bell Tower.

Recommended if... you don't want to miss the best view of Florence and you are passionate about architecture from the inside, with an active, immersive experience full of history.

The flexible option

Florence Duomo Tickets: Cathedral, Baptistery, Crypt, Museum & Santa Reparata

Explore the entire Duomo complex with this pass

Get access with a single ticket to the Baptistery, the Crypt, the Museum and more. Includes an audio guide and is valid for 3 consecutive days.

For those looking for a more leisurely and complete experience, the Ghiberti Pass is the best option. This pass allows you to access the main areas of the Duomo complex for 3 consecutive days, with complete flexibility to organise your visit.

It includes the Baptistery of San Giovanni, famous for its mosaics and the Gates of Paradise; the Crypt of Santa Reparata, with early Christian archaeological remains; and the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, which houses original works by Michelangelo, Donatello and Ghiberti.

Thanks to the included audio guide, you will discover the meaning and history of every corner at your own pace. Although this pass does not include access to the dome or bell tower, it offers an in-depth and cultural insight into the artistic heart of Florence.

Recommended if... you prefer to explore at your own pace and enrich your visit with a comprehensive overview of the Duomo's heritage, without having to climb stairs or follow a guided tour.

We compare the different options

  • Florence Duomo Guided Tour
  • From £9
  • 1 hour
  • Guided tour inside the Duomo
  • Skip-the-line entry
  • With guide
  • Book
  • Florence Duomo Brunelleschi Dome Tickets
  • From £57
  • Approximately 1 hour
  • Reserved entrance to Brunelleschi's Dome
  • Audio guide on your mobile
  • No guide
  • Book
  • Florence Duomo Tickets: Cathedral, Baptistery, Crypt, Museum & Santa Reparata
  • From £17
  • Valid for 3 days
  • Entrance to the Baptistery, Crypt, Museum and Cathedral
  • Audio guide included
  • No guide
  • Reservation

Prices for tickets and visits to the Duomo

Brunelleschi's Dome, Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore|©Angel Alicarte
Brunelleschi's Dome, Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore|©Angel Alicarte

Although entry to the main nave of the cathedral is free, most of the areas that travellers want to see inside the complex do have an admission fee. Keep this in mind when planning your visit. Below is a summary of which parts of the complex are free and which require a paid ticket:

  • Main nave of the cathedralFree, but you need to book a time slot online (free of charge) and the queue is usually long.
  • Brunelleschi's domeAdmission fee; limited capacity and opening hours.
  • Giotto's Bell TowerAdmission fee; 414 steps and panoramic views.
  • Baptistery of San GiovanniAdmission fee; includes the famous golden mosaics.
  • Crypt of Santa ReparataFee required; archaeological remains under the cathedral.
  • Museo dell'Opera del DuomoAdmission fee; original sculptures by Michelangelo, Donatello and Ghiberti.

To save time and make the most of your visit, it is best to book one of the passes or tours in advance, such as the guided tour without queues inside the Duomo - from 9, reserved entry to Brunelleschi's Dome - from 57 or the Ghiberti Pass, which combines the Baptistery, Crypt and Museum for 3 days - from 17. This way, you avoid long waits, get priority access and, if you choose a guided option, enjoy professional explanations that enrich the experience.

Book a guided tour of Florence Cathedral

Types of tickets and visits to Florence Cathedral

Piazza del Duomo| ©Manel Zaera
Piazza del Duomo| ©Manel Zaera

The Duomo complex offers different types of visits to suit all types of travellers: from those looking for a detailed explanation with a guide, to those who want to enjoy the best views or explore every corner of the complex at their own pace. Below are the main options:

Book the 3-day pass for the Duomo complex

How to climb Brunelleschi's Dome

View from Brunelleschi's Dome| ©Pablo Cabezos
View from Brunelleschi's Dome| ©Pablo Cabezos

Climbing the 463 steps of Brunelleschi's dome is the most spectacular way to see Florence from above. Access is regulated by time slots and, without a reserved ticket, tickets sell out quickly. To be on the safe side, it is best to opt for a reserved ticket with an audio guide or a guided tour of the Duomo with a subsequent climb to the dome, which already includes your time slot and, in the second case, explanations from an expert guide before starting the ascent.

Quick tips for the climb

  • Arrive 15 minutes early; if you miss your time slot, you will not be reallocated.
  • Wearcomfortable shoes: the last sections are narrow and steep.
  • There is no lift or toilets on the route.
  • Dress code for the Duomo: shoulders and knees must be covered.

Book your ticket to Brunelleschi's Dome

What to see inside Florence Cathedral

Inside the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo| ©Sailko
Inside the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo| ©Sailko

Although admission to the nave is free, taking a guided tour without queuing or with the Ghiberti Pass (includes the Museum and Baptistery) transforms the experience: you'll avoid the queues and discover details that are not visible to the naked eye.

Essential sights inside

  • Frescoes "The Last Judgement" by Vasari and Zuccari in the dome.
  • Liturgical clock by Paolo Uccello (1443), still in working order.
  • Renaissance stained glass windows designed by Donatello and Ghiberti.
  • Polychrome marble floor with geometric motifs.
  • Crypt of Santa Reparata (access with pass): remains of the ancient early Christian basilica and tombs of bishops.
  • Museo dell'Opera del Duomo (access with pass): original sculptures from the exterior, including Donatello's choir and Michelangelo's unfinished Pietà.

Book a guided tour of Florence Cathedral

Cathedral opening hours

Duomo façade| ©Anokhi De Silva
Duomo façade| ©Anokhi De Silva

The Florence Cathedral is open every day of the week, but with different opening hours:

  • Monday – Saturday: 10:15 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. (last admission at 4:30 p.m.).
  • Sundays and public holidays: 1:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. (last admission at 4:30 p.m.).

Book your 3-day pass for the Duomo complex

How to get to Florence Cathedral

Dome of Florence Cathedral| ©Ilya Orehov
Dome of Florence Cathedral| ©Ilya Orehov

The Duomo is located in the heart of the historic centre, in Piazza del Duomo, so many visitors arrive on foot from their accommodation. If you are coming from further afield, you have the following options:

  • ATAF bus: lines C1, C2, C3, 6, 11, 14 and 23 (stops "Puerta Rossa", "Via Panzani" or "Piazza San Marco").
  • Tram: lines T1 and T2 to Santa Maria Novella station; from there it is about a 10-minute walk.
  • Train: get off at Firenze SMN and walk straight along Via de' Cerretani.

Vicky's Traveller Tip

Please note that you will not be allowed to enter Florence Cathedral if you are wearing very short trousers or have your shoulders exposed.

What to do and see in Piazza del Duomo

Doors of the Baptistery| ©Revol Web
Doors of the Baptistery| ©Revol Web

Explore Piazza del Duomo

The nerve centre of any trip to Florence, Piazza del Duomo is a feast for the eyes, bringing together some of the city's most outstanding historical buildings in one place.

Climb to the top of 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 initially met with scepticism and remained a mystery to architects for centuries due to the great weight and size of its structure. If you want to appreciate its height and the breathtaking frescoes that decorate it, such as Vasari's 'The Last Judgement', you will have to climb 463 steep steps. However, even if it is only for the panoramic views of the city of Florence from the top, the effort is well worth it.

Discover the Baptistery of St. John the Baptist

The Baptistery of St. John, commemorating the saint, is the second element of the Duomo architectural complex and is located opposite it. It is the oldest building in 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 "Gate of Paradise" stands out, composed of 10 bronze panels, replicas of the originals on display in the Duomo Museum, with reliefs depicting scenes from the Old Testament. Inside, you can also see the tomb of John XXIII, whose tomb was designed by Donatello.

Climb up to Giotto's Bell Tower

Considered the most beautiful bell tower in Italy due to 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 climbing the 414 steps that lead to its 84-metre-high terrace.

It was built by the master Giotto and completed after his death by Andrea Pisano in 1359. To see the 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 Duomo Museum is well worth it to see the original sculptures that decorated the Piazza del Duomo, with the reliefs of Ghiberti's "Gates of Paradise" and the authentic statues from the Campanile, as well as objects such as tools and original sketches used in the construction of Florence Cathedral.

Book your 3-day pass for the Duomo complex

Other interesting visits in Florence

Michelangelo's David, Accademia Gallery| ©Brian Dooley
Michelangelo's David, Accademia Gallery| ©Brian Dooley

If you enjoyed this article on how to visit Florence Cathedral, don't miss my other tips for travelling to Florence in the following guides: Florence Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, Florence Uffizi Gallery Tickets and Tours and Florence Accademia Gallery Tickets and Tours.

If you're interested in exploring the city in depth or even going on an excursion to the surrounding area, here are the guides I've put together: 10 Best Tours and Day trips from Florence, Day Trips to Cinque Terre from Florence, 4 Best Day Trips to Siena from Florence and 5 Best Day Trips to Pisa from Florence.

Book the complete tour of the Accademia Gallery + Duomo

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'll have to climb more than four hundred steps, and of course, there's no lift.

  • How long does it take to visit the Cathedral complex?

    Visiting all the relevant sites in 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 will even have the opportunity 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 wonders of the Duomo, you can visit Brunelleschi's Dome, the crypt of Santa Reparata or Piazza San Giovanni. You can also take a tour of the rooftops and secret terraces of the Duomo, which are not open to the general public.

Reviews from other travellers

4.7
· 7474 Reviews
  • M
    M. N.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    Well worthwhile with useful information and hassle free
  • A
    A.
    4
    (0 Reviews)
    Wow, the visit to the Duomo was quite an impressive experience. The access to the dome, with those panoramic views of Florence, left me speechless!
  • R
    R.
    4
    (0 Reviews)
    I climbed the dome of the Duomo with my brother and it was an amazing experience. The views of Florence are breathtaking, not to be missed!
  • B
    B.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    The guided tour of the Duomo was impressive, with access to the dome - an unforgettable experience full of history and beauty!
  • M
    M.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    The visit was amazing, the dome has a view that leaves you speechless, we almost got a 10!