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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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.
en, it, fr, es, de
Buy the Florence Duomo flash tour. Enjoy a guided tour of the impressive Cathedral of Florence!
en, it
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!
en, it, fr, es
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!
en
Florence semi-private tour with Uffizi and Accademia
Spend the day discovering the Duomo and Florence's historic center. Dive into the Renaissanceby visiting the Uffizi and the Accademia Gallery.
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Express guided tour of Florence Duomo with Skip-the-Line Access
Book your Florence Duomo express guided tour with Musement. The iconic Florence Duomo minus the crowds with our no wait access and visit the spectacular Duomo, an architectural masterpiece
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Florence Cathedral small-group tour with skip-the-line tickets
Discover the Cathedral of Florence with skip-the-line tickets and a professional, local guide at your disposal. Book now for an exclusive experience for small groups!
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Walking tour of Florence with optional Cathedral visit
Discover the most important sites and monuments of Florence with an engaging local guide and book your priority access to the Cathedral online!
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Brunelleschi's Dome private guided tour
Skip the line and climb to the top of Brunelleschi's Dome with a private guide. Admire the frescoed ceiling up close and enjoy the panorama.
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Florence Duomo guided tour and Dome climbing
Enjoy this skip-the-line tour of Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral and get the chance to climb the terraces and up to Brunelleschi's Dome!
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Florence self-guided audio tour
Explore Florence at your own pace! Enjoy an app containing over 130 points of interest, famous transport routes, sightseeing itineraries and walking tours.
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Brunelleschi's Dome and Duomo complex guided tour
Visit the monuments of the Florence Cathedral complex with a guide. See superb works of art in the Opera Museum and enjoy the view from the top of the Dome.
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Florence Cathedral
Florence
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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.”
