The Duomo of Florence is undoubtedly one of Italy’s most famous landmarks. This impressive cathedral, officially called the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, attracts millions of visitors from all over the world every year. With its magnificent dome, tall tower and rich history, the Duomo is the heart of Florence. If you are planning a city break to this Tuscan city, a visit to this monument should not be missed.
In this blog you will read everything you need to know about the Duomo of Florence: from its history to what can be seen, how to book tickets and when is best to go.
The history of the Duomo of Florence
Construction of the Duomo of Florence began in 1296 and lasted nearly 150 years. The cathedral was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio and later expanded by several architects. The famous dome, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, was not completed until 1436 and is today one of Italy’s most recognizable structures. The Duomo was built as a symbol of Florence’s power and wealth during the Renaissance.
Over the centuries, the church has been expanded, restored and decorated with works of art by famous Italian masters. Today the Duomo symbolizes not only religion, but also art, architecture and history of Florence.
What is there to see in the Duomo of Florence?
Actually, a visit to the Duomo of Florence consists of seven separate sights. The inside of the cathedral can be visited for free. For all other attractions of the Duomo, it is necessary to book separate tickets in advance. Below you can read more about each part
1. The inside of the Duomo of Florence
The inside of the Duomo of Florence, compared to many other cathedrals, is quite large. The interior of the cathedral and its walls are somewhat austere, but the artwork and stained glass windows are really beautiful to see. Also worth seeing is the impressive dome inside, which is decorated with The Last Judgment by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari. Personally, I also really liked the floor, which is inlaid with marble and patterns typical of the Florentine style. The inside of the Duomo is free to visit, so I recommend that if you are in Florence, you should at least see the inside of the Duomo.
2. Dome of Brunelleschi
Brunelleschi’s dome is the centerpiece of the Duomo of Florence. This huge dome was an engineering marvel in the 15th century and is still considered a masterpiece of architecture. Inside, you can admire the beautiful frescoes, while enjoying a unique view of Florence as you climb to the top. Keep in mind, however, that there is no elevator and you will have to climb a total of 463 steps. So you need good fitness to reach the top.
I have done this climb myself, and if you are able to climb the 463 steps, it is really worth it. The view atop the dome is amazing! Be sure to book in advance, as admission is limited and often fills up quickly.
The bell tower of the Duomo, also called Giotto’s Campanile, is almost 85 meters high. The tower is clad in marble of various colors and decorated with copies of Andrea Pisano’s reliefs. Like Brunelleschi’s dome, you can also climb this tower. During the climb of 414 steps, you will have beautiful views of the square and the city on several floors.
I also made this climb right after I climbed the dome. Personally, I found it really worth it, because you can enjoy different views of Florence as well as of the dome itself. I do recommend that you do it only if you are well on your feet and in good shape. As with the dome, it is important to make reservations in advance, especially in high season.
Opposite the cathedral is the Baptistery of the Duomo, an octagonal building with a beautiful golden dome. Inside you will find mosaics showing stories from the Bible, including the Last Judgment. Children of Florence used to be baptized here, including the famous Dante Alighieri. The interior is rich in detail and exudes the glory of medieval art. Again, advance reservations are necessary as the number of visitors per day is limited.
The Baptistery, best known for its famous Gate of Paradise, is one of the oldest buildings in Florence. The bronze doors, designed by Lorenzo Ghiberti, display beautiful reliefs from the Old Testament. The doors got their nickname from Michelangelo, who called them “as beautiful as the gates of paradise.” Inside, golden mosaics sparkle covering the ceiling. Remember that you need to make reservations in advance here too to avoid the crowds.
The Museo dell’Opera del Duomo is a must-see for those who want to learn more about the cathedral’s construction and history. Here you will find original statues, models and works of art that once stood in and around the Duomo. You can also see the original Gates of Paradise and sculptures by Donatello and Michelangelo. Again, advance reservations are recommended to avoid waiting times.
The square, Piazza del Duomo, is the bustling heart of Florence. Here locals and tourists gather to enjoy the view of the cathedral, the tower and the Baptistry. Around the square you will find cozy cafes and stores with souvenirs. Especially in the evening, the square is attractively lit and there is a cozy atmosphere. This is the perfect place to sit for a while and admire the beauty of the Duomo.
Visit the Duomo with the Florence Pass
With the Florence Pass, you can visit the Duomo of Florence inexpensively and easily. This pass gives access to multiple attractions, including the dome, the bell tower, the museum and the baptistery. This way you don’t have to buy a ticket for each part separately and you can save both time and money during your city break in Florence.
During my visit to Florence, I used the Florence Pass myself, and it turned out to be a smart choice. In fact, the pass allows you to visit other attractions in the city, such as the Galleria degli Uffizi and the Galleria dell’Accademia. Compared to buying individual tickets, this can quickly save you €10-€30 or more
The Duomo of Florence is located in the middle of the historic center, in Piazza del Duomo.
How do you get to the Duomo in Florence?
The cathedral is easy to reach on foot or by public transportation. From Santa Maria Novella station you can walk or take a short bus ride. If you come by car, you can park in one of the parking garages just outside the center.
What are the opening hours of the Duomo in Florence?
Opening hours of the Duomo vary by section, but in general the cathedral is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The dome, tower and museum sometimes have different hours. It is therefore smart to check online in advance.
When is the best time to visit the Duomo in Florence?
The best time to visit the Duomo is early morning or late afternoon. Then it is often quieter. In spring and fall, the weather is mild and it is less crowded than in summer.
Is the Duomo in Florence worth seeing?
Yes, absolutely. The Duomo of Florence is not just another cathedral; it is a symbol of the city, with beautiful architecture that you will find almost nowhere else. Personally, I especially liked the dome and the bell tower, despite the tough climb up, the best thing about the Duomo of Florence. The view of Florence is impressive and should not be missed during your visit to the city.
Is it worth climbing Florence's bell tower and dome?
The bell tower has 414 steps and the dome has 463 steps. If you don’t want to do both in one day, but only want to climb one of the two, I recommend choosing the bell tower. Here you have a nice view on several floors, and at the top you can enjoy a beautiful panorama of the city as well as the dome itself.
My tips for visiting the Duomo in Florence
In closing, I have a few helpful tips for your visit to the Duomo in Florence:
1. Reserve your tickets online to avoid wait times
The Duomo is one of Florence’s most popular sights, and many visitors want to climb the bell tower and dome. Since only small groups are allowed up at a time, you run the risk of running out of tickets on the day of your visit. That would be a shame, because the panoramic view of the city is not to be missed.
2. Wear comfortable shoes
If you are going to visit Florence, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes anyway. But if you are going to climb the dome and the bell tower, good shoes are really a must, as there are many stairs.
3. Don’t forget to also visit the museum
The museum adds extra meaning to everything you see outside and completes your visit to the Duomo.
Edward
Hi, I'm Edward, crazy about city trips and everything that makes these trips so special. On Cities To travel I share my best tips and recommendations for your next city trip!
Hi, I’m Edward, and I love city breaks and everything that makes them so special. On Cities To Travel, I share my best tips and recommendations for your next city break!
Duomo of Florence: Is the cathedral worth a visit?
The Duomo of Florence is undoubtedly one of Italy’s most famous landmarks. This impressive cathedral, officially called the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, attracts millions of visitors from all over the world every year. With its magnificent dome, tall tower and rich history, the Duomo is the heart of Florence. If you are planning a city break to this Tuscan city, a visit to this monument should not be missed.
In this blog you will read everything you need to know about the Duomo of Florence: from its history to what can be seen, how to book tickets and when is best to go.
The history of the Duomo of Florence
Construction of the Duomo of Florence began in 1296 and lasted nearly 150 years. The cathedral was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio and later expanded by several architects. The famous dome, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, was not completed until 1436 and is today one of Italy’s most recognizable structures. The Duomo was built as a symbol of Florence’s power and wealth during the Renaissance.
Over the centuries, the church has been expanded, restored and decorated with works of art by famous Italian masters. Today the Duomo symbolizes not only religion, but also art, architecture and history of Florence.
What is there to see in the Duomo of Florence?
Actually, a visit to the Duomo of Florence consists of seven separate sights. The inside of the cathedral can be visited for free. For all other attractions of the Duomo, it is necessary to book separate tickets in advance. Below you can read more about each part
1. The inside of the Duomo of Florence
The inside of the Duomo of Florence, compared to many other cathedrals, is quite large. The interior of the cathedral and its walls are somewhat austere, but the artwork and stained glass windows are really beautiful to see. Also worth seeing is the impressive dome inside, which is decorated with The Last Judgment by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari. Personally, I also really liked the floor, which is inlaid with marble and patterns typical of the Florentine style. The inside of the Duomo is free to visit, so I recommend that if you are in Florence, you should at least see the inside of the Duomo.
2. Dome of Brunelleschi
Brunelleschi’s dome is the centerpiece of the Duomo of Florence. This huge dome was an engineering marvel in the 15th century and is still considered a masterpiece of architecture. Inside, you can admire the beautiful frescoes, while enjoying a unique view of Florence as you climb to the top. Keep in mind, however, that there is no elevator and you will have to climb a total of 463 steps. So you need good fitness to reach the top.
I have done this climb myself, and if you are able to climb the 463 steps, it is really worth it. The view atop the dome is amazing! Be sure to book in advance, as admission is limited and often fills up quickly.
3. Clock tower of the Duomo
The bell tower of the Duomo, also called Giotto’s Campanile, is almost 85 meters high. The tower is clad in marble of various colors and decorated with copies of Andrea Pisano’s reliefs. Like Brunelleschi’s dome, you can also climb this tower. During the climb of 414 steps, you will have beautiful views of the square and the city on several floors.
I also made this climb right after I climbed the dome. Personally, I found it really worth it, because you can enjoy different views of Florence as well as of the dome itself. I do recommend that you do it only if you are well on your feet and in good shape. As with the dome, it is important to make reservations in advance, especially in high season.
4. The baptistery of the Duomo
Opposite the cathedral is the Baptistery of the Duomo, an octagonal building with a beautiful golden dome. Inside you will find mosaics showing stories from the Bible, including the Last Judgment. Children of Florence used to be baptized here, including the famous Dante Alighieri. The interior is rich in detail and exudes the glory of medieval art. Again, advance reservations are necessary as the number of visitors per day is limited.
5. The Baptistry with the Gate of Paradise.
The Baptistery, best known for its famous Gate of Paradise, is one of the oldest buildings in Florence. The bronze doors, designed by Lorenzo Ghiberti, display beautiful reliefs from the Old Testament. The doors got their nickname from Michelangelo, who called them “as beautiful as the gates of paradise.” Inside, golden mosaics sparkle covering the ceiling. Remember that you need to make reservations in advance here too to avoid the crowds.
6. Museum of the Duomo
The Museo dell’Opera del Duomo is a must-see for those who want to learn more about the cathedral’s construction and history. Here you will find original statues, models and works of art that once stood in and around the Duomo. You can also see the original Gates of Paradise and sculptures by Donatello and Michelangelo. Again, advance reservations are recommended to avoid waiting times.
7. The Piazza del Duomo
The square, Piazza del Duomo, is the bustling heart of Florence. Here locals and tourists gather to enjoy the view of the cathedral, the tower and the Baptistry. Around the square you will find cozy cafes and stores with souvenirs. Especially in the evening, the square is attractively lit and there is a cozy atmosphere. This is the perfect place to sit for a while and admire the beauty of the Duomo.
Visit the Duomo with the Florence Pass
With the Florence Pass, you can visit the Duomo of Florence inexpensively and easily. This pass gives access to multiple attractions, including the dome, the bell tower, the museum and the baptistery. This way you don’t have to buy a ticket for each part separately and you can save both time and money during your city break in Florence.
During my visit to Florence, I used the Florence Pass myself, and it turned out to be a smart choice. In fact, the pass allows you to visit other attractions in the city, such as the Galleria degli Uffizi and the Galleria dell’Accademia. Compared to buying individual tickets, this can quickly save you €10-€30 or more
Where is the Duomo located in Florence?
The Duomo of Florence is located in the middle of the historic center, in Piazza del Duomo.
How do you get to the Duomo in Florence?
The cathedral is easy to reach on foot or by public transportation. From Santa Maria Novella station you can walk or take a short bus ride. If you come by car, you can park in one of the parking garages just outside the center.
What are the opening hours of the Duomo in Florence?
Opening hours of the Duomo vary by section, but in general the cathedral is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The dome, tower and museum sometimes have different hours. It is therefore smart to check online in advance.
When is the best time to visit the Duomo in Florence?
The best time to visit the Duomo is early morning or late afternoon. Then it is often quieter. In spring and fall, the weather is mild and it is less crowded than in summer.
Is the Duomo in Florence worth seeing?
Yes, absolutely. The Duomo of Florence is not just another cathedral; it is a symbol of the city, with beautiful architecture that you will find almost nowhere else. Personally, I especially liked the dome and the bell tower, despite the tough climb up, the best thing about the Duomo of Florence. The view of Florence is impressive and should not be missed during your visit to the city.
Is it worth climbing Florence's bell tower and dome?
The bell tower has 414 steps and the dome has 463 steps. If you don’t want to do both in one day, but only want to climb one of the two, I recommend choosing the bell tower. Here you have a nice view on several floors, and at the top you can enjoy a beautiful panorama of the city as well as the dome itself.
My tips for visiting the Duomo in Florence
In closing, I have a few helpful tips for your visit to the Duomo in Florence:
1. Reserve your tickets online to avoid wait times
The Duomo is one of Florence’s most popular sights, and many visitors want to climb the bell tower and dome. Since only small groups are allowed up at a time, you run the risk of running out of tickets on the day of your visit. That would be a shame, because the panoramic view of the city is not to be missed.
2. Wear comfortable shoes
If you are going to visit Florence, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes anyway. But if you are going to climb the dome and the bell tower, good shoes are really a must, as there are many stairs.
3. Don’t forget to also visit the museum
The museum adds extra meaning to everything you see outside and completes your visit to the Duomo.
Edward
Hi, I'm Edward, crazy about city trips and everything that makes these trips so special. On Cities To travel I share my best tips and recommendations for your next city trip!
Special offers for a city break to Florence
If you are planning a city break to Florence and would like to visit some of the sights, take advantage of the offers below!
Hi, I’m Edward, and I love city breaks and everything that makes them so special. On Cities To Travel, I share my best tips and recommendations for your next city break!
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