Florence Cathedral: Tickets

Florence Cathedral - The Duomo Tickets and Information

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• Florence Cathedral - The Duomo Address: Piazza del Duomo, 50122, Florence
• Opening Hours: Cathedral: Monday - Saturday: 10:00 - 16:30 | Sunday: 13:00 -16:30

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Is Florence Cathedral Duomo Worth Visiting

• It’s one of the city’s most popular attractions!

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What You See At Florence Cathedral Duomo

• Florence Cathedral
• Option to see Brunelleschi Dome
• Option to see Giotto’s Bell Tower, Opera del Duomo Museum and Santa Reparata

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About Florence Cathedral

Florence Cathedral, also known as ‘Florence Duomo’ or to use its full title ‘Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore’, is one of the most famous landmarks in Italy. The church, which is one of the largest in the world, dominates the Florence skyline with its iconic dome and tower. The dome was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, which is where the nickname of ‘Brunelleschi Dome’ comes from.

Construction of the cathedral began in 1296 but it took nearly 140 years to complete and it was finally consecrated in 1436 by Pope Eugenio IV. The Duomo was built as a symbol of Florence's wealth and power during the Renaissance. Done in a Gothic architectural style which includes detailed facades along with other artistic features.

Brunelleschi Dome

The Dome was added between 1420 and 1436 and even today, is still the largest masonry vault in the world! There are actually two domes on the church, an internal one and an external one. The external dome has a diameter of 54.8 metres and the internal one has a diameter of 45.5 metres. The space between the domes has a staircase with 463 steps that you can climb (no elevator available) to reach the top, which, if you can do it is well worth it due to the views the platform offers across the city. The domes are almost more famous than the church itself! On top of the dome sits the lantern, which is made of white marble and is a further 21 metres in height and its weight actually acts as a counterbalance against the forces of the internal dome!

Giotto’s Campanile or Bell Tower

The Duomo’s Bell Tower or Campanile is called the ‘Giotto’s Bell Tower’ after its designer, and similar to the dome, you can also climb it to enjoy the views from the top! To forewarn though, there are 414 steps to reach the summit balconies (no lift available) but if you are able to do it, it’s worth it to enjoy the amazing views! The bell tower is home to 12 bells of which only 7 are in use. The largest bell was actually cast in 1401 by Niccolò and Luca Bondigi of Cortona and is called ‘The Apostolic’ and can be seen as you climb the tower.

The Opera del Duomo Museum

The museum was founded in 1891, more than 450 years after the cathedral was finished. It went through a major renovation in 2015 and the museum is home to works of art by the likes of Michelangelo, Donatello, Brunelleschi and Ghiberti, amongst others and holds an incredibly important collection.

Ancient Basilica of Santa Reparata

The remains of a hidden basilica that were only rediscovered in 1965! You can access this hidden gem via a staircase next to the central nave. You can travel back in time and see the construction phases of one of the first temples built in Florence, with records suggesting it was demolished in 1379!

Baptistery of St John

The Baptistery stands proudly in front of the cathedral and dates back to 1059 when it was consecrated by Pope Niccolò II. You can see art in the baptistery that was created by various artists including multiple mosaics which date back to the 13th and 14th centuries. 

Tickets: Although entrance to the cathedral is free, you do need to purchase tickets to visit Brunelleschi Dome, Giotto’s Campanile, Baptistery, and the Crypt. To climb the dome, you do need to purchase tickets in advance and reserve a specific time slot.

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