
Things to do in Florence Cathedral
Standing tall amid the iconic city skyline is the majestic Florence Cathedral (officially known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore) and its red-tiled cupola. A symbol of this glorious city and marked by its Gothic beauty, no trip to Florence is complete without entering its hallowed bronze doors.
A hundred and fifty years in the making, it was Arnolfo di Cambio who first started working on it in 1296. Its lofty dome was added much later in 1436 by Filippo Brunelleschi. His revolutionary design, which incorporates a second inner dome and interlocking brickwork to reduce the structure's enormous weight, was celebrated as a feat of engineering. Brunelleschi’s dome remains the largest ever constructed in brick.
In the 19th century the cathedral received its now familiar elaborate Gothic facade in pink, white and green polychrome marble. Designed by architect Emilio de Fabris, it replaced the incomplete original, which was torn down in the 16th century. In constrast the cathedral’s interior is surprisingly stark, as most of its art works have been moved to the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo. That said you can still admire impressive frescoes, up to 44 stained-glass windows and the excavated remains of the basilica of Santa Reparata that lie beneath the cathedral.
The cathedral complex is completed by the Baptistry of San Giovanni, with its striking golden door (the aptly named Gates of Paradise) and shimmering ceiling mosaic, along with Giotto’s graceful campanile. Climb the latter for sweeping panoramic views from its terrace. You can also admire masterpieces by Michelangelo, Arnolfo, Ghiberti, Donatello, Luca della Robbia, Antonio Pollaiolo, and Verrocchio at the nearby Museo dell’Opera.
Opening hours
Cathedral 10am-4.30pm
Dome 8.30am-7.00pm
Baptistry 8.15am-10.15am & 11.15am-7.30pm
Bell Tower 8.15am-7.20pm
Crypt 10.00am-5pm
Museum 9.00am-7.00pm
Our recommendations in Florence Cathedral

Tickets for the Florence Cathedral Complex and Brunelleschi's Dome
Visit all the monuments in Florence's Piazza del Duomo with your ticket: the Cathedral, Brunelleschi's Dome, Giotto's Bell Tower and the Baptistery.
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Buy the Florence Duomo flash tour. Enjoy a guided tour of the impressive Cathedral of Florence!
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Brunelleschi's Dome guided tour
Join this guided tour of Brunelleschi's Dome. Climb the 463 steps to the top and enjoy impressive views of Florence!
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Florence walking tour pass with 1 guided and 7 self-guided routes
Experience the perfect mix of guided tours and autonomous sightseeing while visiting Florence thanks to this hop-on hop-off walking tour service!
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Experiences in Florence Cathedral
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Florence Cathedral
Florence
Italy
Reviews Florence Cathedral
“Cordiali educati e pazienti, grazie”
“Muy agradable el personal cuando fuimos a por los tickets de entrada, se aseguraron que lo entendíamos porque no controlábamos el idioma, y quedaron a disposición hasta que entraramos. la visita de la cúpula? un 10, coincidimos con la caida del sol y la luz de Florencia era preciosa”
“Il signore in ufficio è stato molto gentile e competente. Ottima esperienza complessiva.”
