Duomo Florence Tourist Guide

Duomo of Florence formally known as Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (in English - Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flowers) is one of the most iconic structure and largest cathedral in the world. From its name you cans sense that cathedral of Florence is dedicated to Santa Maria del Fiore.

Designed by Arnolfo di Cambio, Santa Maria del Fiore is the third largest church in the world after St. Peter's in Rome and St. Paul's in London. It was the largest church in Europe in 15th century.

If you are planning to visit Duomo then you must include not just the Duomo, but everything related to it, mainly a visit to:

• The crypt and a climb up the cupola
• The Baptistry
• The Bell Tower and a trip to the top
• The newly renovated Museum of the Duomo with it's incredible collection of artwork (including work by Donatello and Michelangelo)

These monuments and cathedral are the soul of Florence and religious center of city.

General Information

A visit to the Duomo and its several components has a single ticket to access which includes Brunelleschi's Dome, the Baptistry of San Giovanni, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Crypt of Santa Reparata and the Opera Museum. Entrance into the Duomo itself is free.

As a religious site you should respect it and you are advised not to wear inappropriate and disrespectful clothing. Shorts and skirts need to be at knee and no hats, sleeveless tops & sunglasses are allowed.

When to go?

The best time to visit the Duomo in Florence is in morning when it opens, or in the afternoon right before it shuts. The Museum is closed on the first Tuesday of each month and on key religious days like Easter Sunday.

Timings

Entry to the Cathedral Dome is from 8.30 am and is closed all day Sundays.

Entry to the Bell Tower is from 8.30 am also and visitors are required to climb through 414 steps.

Entry to the Crypt starts from 10 am and is closed all day Sundays and can close at any time for religious events.

Entry to Baptistry which is directly opposite the front of the Cathedral opens most days at 11.15am

The Opera Museum opens at 9 in the morning, but closed on Sunday afternoons

Address: Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

Entrance

For accessing Duomo we will recommend you to book ticket or tour in advance.

Tickets: Purchase Duomo ticket from official ticket office, after the purchase it will valid for next 72 hours. As the day progress, line for ticket counter is insane so its better to book online ticket in advance and avoid standing in long queues and save your crucial time.

Guided Tour: If you want to explore all in Cathedral Duomo then Guided tours are the best option. Guide will help you to explore the history of Duomo and drag you 1500 years back. Ticket is included in Guided tour and Headset will be given to you to hear the Guide.

Book online Tour Guide and save your money and time.

Audio Guided Tour: If you want to explore Duomo on your own pace then self guided audio tour is the best option.

Some Facts about Duomo Florence:

• Duomo cathedral has the largest masonry dome in the world, weighing over 40 thousand ton with over 4 million brick.
• Fillipo Brunelleschi, a trained goldsmith is the man behind this masterpiece dome.He had no experience and never built anything in his life before building this breathtaking cathedral.
• When it was completed in 15 century, It was the largest cathedral. Now it is the third largest cathedral in the world behind St. Peter’s in Rome and St. Paul’s in London.
• Fillipo Brunelleschi had invented the technology for building the giant dome and name of that invention is known as OX Hoist.
• With the help of OX Hoist the dome took 16 years to complete and the whole cathedral took 140 years to complete.
• Apart from tiled brick in dome, every inch of exterior is covered in marble.
• Steps which are used to climb up the dome were originally built for workers to construct the dome and for maintenance purpose.
• Brunelleschi didn’t leave any document or drawing plan on how he manage to do such an extraordinary design work.

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