The Duomo Cathedral, alongside other monuments in the Piazza del Duomo, has stood for centuries as a symbol of Florence's artistic and religious heritage. Built during the Renaissance, the cathedral remains a prominent feature of the Florence skyline.
To fully appreciate the entire Duomo complex, you must visit more than just the church. You can purchase Duomo tickets that give you access to all of the attractions, or you can join Duomo tours that take you back in time to the creation of this complex. However you choose to explore the grounds, you can't go wrong!
The Duomo Cathedral, alongside other monuments in the Piazza del Duomo, has stood for centuries as a symbol of Florence's artistic and religious heritage. Built during the Renaissance, the cathedral remains a prominent feature of the Florence skyline.
To fully appreciate the entire Duomo complex, you must visit more than just the church. You can purchase Duomo tickets that give you access to all of the attractions, or you can join Duomo tours that take you back in time to the creation of this complex. However you choose to explore the grounds, you can't go wrong!
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The Duomo Cathedral, alongside other monuments in the Piazza del Duomo, has stood for centuries as a symbol of Florence's artistic and religious heritage. Built during the Renaissance, the cathedral remains a prominent feature of the Florence skyline.
To fully appreciate the entire Duomo complex, you must visit more than just the church. You can purchase Duomo tickets that give you access to all of the attractions, or you can join Duomo tours that take you back in time to the creation of this complex. However you choose to explore the grounds, you can't go wrong!
Below you will find everything you need to know about Duomo, one of the most breathtaking attractions in Florence.
The cathedral is free to enter, but you must purchase a single admission ticket to see other parts of the complex. All Duomo tickets are valid for three calendar days.
Get a Brunelleschi Pass for admission to all Duomo attractions, including Opera del Duomo Museum, the Basilica of Santa Reparata, Giotto's Bell Tower, San Giovanni's Baptistery and Brunelleschi's Dome.
Get a Giotto Pass for admission to the Opera del Duomo Museum, the Basilica of Santa Reparata, Giotto's Bell Tower and San Giovanni's Baptistery.
Get a Ghiberti Pass for admission to the Opera del Duomo Museum, the Basilica of Santa Reparata and San Giovanni's Baptistery.
Children from 7 to 14 years old are eligible for a discount on Duomo tickets. They can have a Brunelleschi Pass for €12, a Giotto Pass for €7 or a Ghiberti Pass for €5.
Students of all ages are eligible for a discounted Giotto Pass for €7 by displaying their Student Card or similar document at the ticket office.
Yes. Children under 6, clergy members and persons with disabilities plus one companion can visit the Duomo for free.
However, the Duomo does not offer free entrance for the general public any day of the year unless you are going to worship at the cathedral.
Consider purchasing your Duomo tickets in advance. Doing so allows you to save time and avoid wasting time by waiting in long lines at the cathedral. Your ticket for the Duomo will allow you to skip the line at the ticket office and enter the cathedral without any hassle.
Visiting the Duomo on a guided tour is one of the best ways to explore the complex in-depth. You have plenty of options to choose from when booking a tour.
Touring the Duomo Cathedral as part of a group tour is a great budget option to share the cost of a guide with other visitors. In general, the bigger the group, the less you have to spend. However, you can find good deals on tours that cap group size to 10 people.
If you’re in a rush, you can explore the Duomo Cathedral and its beauty on a faster-paced tour to learn about the history of the complex and how it became a monument. The tour lasts approximately one hour, and prices start at under €20.
For a more VIP experience, you can book a private tour. This way, you have the guide’s full attention and can set the pace of the tour. Private tours include pickup and drop-off from your hotel. You can choose a tour that focuses only on the Duomo or one that visits several sites across Florence.
The Duomo's Dome tour teaches you about the fascinating history of the Duomo and gives you skip-the-line access to the complex. You will also make your way up more than 400 stairs to admire Brunelleschi's Dome. From there, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of Florence.
See Florence after dark on an at-night tour of the Duomo and the old town. Spend a couple of hours on an evening stroll with a small group (no more than 15 people) and an art historian guide, who will explain the cultural significance of the Duomo and other sites, like Ponte Vecchio and Santa Croce Church.
If you prefer to explore the Duomo at your own pace, an audioguide tour is perfect for you. You can bundle your audioguide with tickets to the opera and baptistry, so you arrive prepared and ready to skip any lines.
Combination tours provide excellent alternatives for those looking to visit multiple attractions in one day and save money. They provide the best value while ensuring you see all the attractions you want to visit. Florence boasts no shortage of combined tours that include a trip to the Duomo.
A visit to the Duomo complex includes the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, Brunelleschi's Dome, the Baptistery of St. John, the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo (Opera del Duomo) and Giotto's Bell Tower.
Before heading to the cathedral, you should take some time to walk around the Piazza del Duomo.
The cathedral sits at the heart of the square and is a sight to behold. It is considered an architectural masterpiece, and its interior walls are adorned with biblical paintings. Admission is free, although it is somewhat empty because most of the artifacts that occupied it have been relocated.
You can then climb the 463 steps to the top of Brunelleschi's Dome and learn about Filippo Brunelleschi, the architect who won a design competition for the dome. From the top of the building, take in a panoramic view of Florence.
Another place to get a 360-degree view of Florence is the 414-step campanile (Giotto's Bell Tower), located near the cathedral. The campanile is designed with colored marble and replicas of Andrea Pisano's reliefs.
The Baptistery, opposite the Duomo Cathedral, is Florence's oldest structure. It is a must-see for its stunning octagonal structure designed in the style of Renaissance architecture, complete with famous bronze sculpted doors on the exterior and gold mosaic ceilings on the interior.
The Opera del Duomo Museum sits just behind the cathedral. There, you can learn about the history of the Florence Cathedral and see original historic sculptures, artwork and furniture pieces.
The Duomo is in the city center of Florence and is easily accessible by foot, car, train or bus. It’s located less than a kilometer north of the Arno River, which you can walk to in less than 10 minutes.
Most of the major sites in Florence are easily accessible by foot. You can get to the Accademia Gallery, Pitti Palace and Palazzo Vecchio in a short walk of 15 minutes or less.
From Florence’s main train station, Santa Maria Novella, you only need to walk about 10 minutes southeast to reach the Duomo. It’s a pleasant walk passing shops and restaurants.
Take Line 2, 6, 14, 22, 23, C1, C2 or D until the stop “Duomo” or “Piazza San Giovanni”.
You won’t need a car once you’re in the center of Florence, but it can be helpful to reach sites further outside the center, like the Boboli Gardens and the San Miniato al Monte Abbey.
The Duomo Cathedral is open Monday to Saturday from 10:15 AM to 4:45 PM. The Duomo is closed on Sundays and religious holidays. Opening times may differ before certain holidays, so it’s best to confirm beforehand.
Please note that other sites at the Duomo complex have different opening times. For example, the Dome is open from 8:15 AM to 7:30 PM, the Baptistry is open from 8:30 AM to 7:45 PM and Giotto’s Bell Tower is open from 8:15 AM to 7:45 PM.
If you prefer milder weather, the best time to visit the Duomo in Florence is during the spring (April to May) or the fall (September to October). During these months, the temperatures are comfortable, and there are fewer crowds compared to the peak tourist season.
On the other hand, if you don't mind the crowds and are looking for a more vibrant atmosphere, the summer months (June to August) are a great time to visit Florence. However, be prepared for hot temperatures and long lines.
The best time of day to visit the Duomo in Florence is early morning or late afternoon. During these times, there are fewer crowds, and you can enjoy the beauty and serenity of the cathedral in a more peaceful atmosphere.
If you visit the Duomo early in the morning, you can see the sunlight shining through the stained-glass windows, creating a beautiful display of colors inside the cathedral. You’ll also have a better chance of getting tickets to climb to the top of the dome or the bell tower, as these can sell out quickly during peak hours.
If you visit in the late afternoon, you can enjoy the golden light of the sunset illuminating the facade of the cathedral, creating a stunning backdrop for photos. Moreover, you can avoid the midday heat, which can be uncomfortable during the summer months.