The Duomo or the Santa Maria del Fiore is the most significant landmark of the Florence skyline. It has hundreds of years of history and is known for its massive size and beauty. Its dome is a major architectural masterpiece that is ahead of its time. No matter where you walk in the beautiful city of Florence, chances are you will definitely glance at the famous Duomo towering above. It is a great defining element of Florence’s identity, geography, and history.

The Basics

It is essential for you to visit the Duomo to completely immerse yourself in the rich culture of Florence and the Renaissance. Tickets to the cathedral include access to the baptistery, the dome, museum, crypt, and bell tower. These tickets are valid for 48 hours from use. There are often long lines and the entry to the cathedral is free. Many tourists opt for a small group guided tour to skip the long line, discover all the hidden corners of the complex, and get a detailed analysis which they otherwise couldn’t have found themselves. You will also find audio guides here in case you don’t want a private or group guide.

Some Facts

  1. The process of building took 140 years from conception to completion because the roof of the dome was left exposed for years while the cathedral’s construction still went on.  
  2. The largest church built on the same ground lies beneath the red-tiled dome.
  3. The entire grand cathedral was conceived in 1293 before the Renaissance period when a committee had come up with ideas and ambitious plans.
  4. The domed rooftop was built at such a period when no technological source was available to complete it.

Things to know before the visit

  1. You can purchase the tickets in advanced or access the complex through a specialized private guided tour. You can buy the tickets at the Duomo but expect long lines.
  2. Proper fitness level and footsteps are recommended as it is more than 400 steps to the top of architect Fillippo Brunelleschi’s dome.
  3. The cathedral is closed on major holidays and Sunday morning service, and is open daily from 10am.
  4. Hats, sunglasses, and sandals are discouraged to be worn here as it is a cathedral. So dress modestly and it is advisable for women to cover their knees and shoulders. A scarf will do.  

How to Get There

The Duomo is located at the center of Florence. It will take you less than 10 minutes walking from the train station to get there. It is often visited in combination with the Uffizi Gallery as it is close to it. Guided tours and independent travelers alike stop at the Accademia Gallery which holds the masterpiece of Michlangelo’s David.

When to Get There

The cathedral is closed on the first Tuesday of each month. It is difficult to avoid the crowds but you will find quieter times during mornings and late afternoons, especially outside the busy months of summer which is May through September.

An Unforgettable View

The green, white, and pink marble façade of the Santa Maria del Fiore is a sight in itself. On the other hand, the real can’t-miss views are those from the top of the cupola. Climbers are rewarded with the rolling hills beyond, the great Arno River, and Florence’s red-roofed skyline. You can find these panoramic views from atop Giotto’s Campanile as well. Admire the frescoes that line the cathedral’s interior and the famous stained glass back on ground level. The tomb of Fillippo Brunelleschi which is in the cathedral’s crypt is also worth a visit.    

Ticket and Timing

Starting Time: 11:00 am

Language: English

Frequency: From April to October and also on Saturdays, Mondays and Thursdays.

Duration: The tour lasts for about 2 hours.

Meeting Point: Stand 15 minutes before the tour starts at the central door of the Cathedral.

Price: The price of the ticket is 49.00 euro per person for adults and 24.00 euro per person for children under the age of 11. This cost includes entrance ticket for the cathedral, headphones for groups over 15, and a specialized guide service.

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So take a guided tour to the Santa Maria del Fiore, and make these two hours of viewing one of the undisputed masterpieces of all times, worth your while. J