English
English
- Florence Cathedral
- Santa Reparata Florence
- Piazza del Duomo
- Giotto's Bell Tower
- Opera del Duomo Museum
- Brunelleschi's Dome
- Baptistery of St. John
- History
- Architecture
- Inside
- Duomo Rooftop
- Plan Your Visit
- Skip the Line Tours
- Guided Tours
- Timings
- Directions
- Rules
- Entrances
- Facts
- Mass schedule
- Dress code
Duomo Florence dome tickets
Headout is a brand trusted by millions of guests worldwide offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.
Take a tour of the Cathedral Square with the chance to climb the iconic Giotto's Bell Tower and Brunelleschi's Dome.
- Get the best of both worlds! The expertise of a guide at the Cathedral, Baptistery, and Opera Museum – and the freedom to explore each site yourself.
- Gain a deeper appreciation, from the octagonal San Giovanni's Baptistery to the vividly tiled Giotto's Bell Tower, in the language of your choice.
- Elevate your experience with dome and bell tower access. Be met by sweeping views of Florentine landmarks, like Accademia Gallery.
- Marvel at the intricate details of the Florence Cathedral, from the stunning marble façade matching the tower, to the ornate frescoes inside.
- Upgrade your experience with a 1-hour walking tour of Florence and explore the city's top sites.
Take a tour of the Cathedral Square with the chance to climb the iconic Giotto's Bell Tower and Brunelleschi's Dome.
- Get the best of both worlds! The expertise of a guide at the Cathedral, Baptistery, and Opera Museum – and the freedom to explore each site yourself.
- Gain a deeper appreciation, from the octagonal San Giovanni's Baptistery to the vividly tiled Giotto's Bell Tower, in the language of your choice.
- Elevate your experience with dome and bell tower access. Be met by sweeping views of Florentine landmarks, like Accademia Gallery.
- Marvel at the intricate details of the Florence Cathedral, from the stunning marble façade matching the tower, to the ornate frescoes inside.
- Upgrade your experience with a 1-hour walking tour of Florence and explore the city's top sites.
Inclusions
- Guided tour of the Florence Cathedral Complex with entry
- Access to Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, the Crypt of Santa Reparata, Opera del Duomo Museum, & St. John's Baptistery
- Expert English, Italian, German, Spanish or French-speaking guide (as per option selected)
- Access to Giotto's Bell Tower (as per option selected)
- Access to Brunelleschi's Dome (as per option selected)
- 1-hour walking tour of Florence (as per option selected)
Exclusions
- Access to the Secret Terraces
- Tip: Arrive a little early to your guided tour of the Florence Duomo. This allows you to get acquainted with the meeting point, ensuring a stress-free start.
- Strict dress code: Clothing that covers the knees and shoulders. Sandals/flip-flops, hats, and sunglasses must be removed before entry.
- The Dome and Bell Tower are not accessible by wheelchair and not recommended for guests with mobility issues, back problems, or heart conditions.
- Dome access is so exclusive, even guides can't get in. Yep, you read that right! Dome access is just for the privileged few, so you'll be unaccompanied for that part of the tour.
- Guide dogs (with relevant certification) are welcome at the venue.
- Giotto's Bell Tower is closed for maintenance work from 17 to 21 February, 2025.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Short but sweet! A perfect way to efficiently cover the highlights of Florence Cathedral in under one hour.
- From the statues and mosaic tiles outside to the extensive frescoes inside, your guide will expertly narrate the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral’s story.
- Discover Brunelleschi's Dome, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture built in the 15th century.
- The right ticket option lets you dive deeper into the Cathedral Square and all its monuments using a multilingual audio guide.
Short but sweet! A perfect way to efficiently cover the highlights of Florence Cathedral in under one hour.
- From the statues and mosaic tiles outside to the extensive frescoes inside, your guide will expertly narrate the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral’s story.
- Discover Brunelleschi's Dome, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture built in the 15th century.
- The right ticket option lets you dive deeper into the Cathedral Square and all its monuments using a multilingual audio guide.
Inclusions
- Guided tour of Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral
- Expert English, Spanish, or Italian-speaking guide (as per option selected)
- Audio guide app in English, French, Italian, Spanish, German, Russian, Japanese, & Chinese (if selected)
Exclusions
- Access to the Crypt of Santa Reparata, Opera del Duomo Museum, & St. John's Baptistery
- Access to Giotto's Bell Tower
- Access to Brunelleschi's Dome
- Access to the Secret Terraces
- Tip: Look up to the drum of the dome to see the gorgeous circular stained glass window Coronation of the Virgin, the only one visible from the nave of the Cathedral!
- Strict dress code: Clothing that covers the knees and shoulders. Sandals/flip-flops, hats, and sunglasses must be removed before entry.
- This experience is accessible by wheelchair and pram/stroller.
- Guide dogs (with relevant certification) are welcome at the venue.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Tailor your Florence Cathedral Square visit with multiple ticket options!
- Uncover sculptures in the Opera Museum, marble mosaics in the Baptistery, and an ancient church in the Crypt of Santa Reparata.
- You can climb Giotto’s Bell Tower, absorbing unparalleled vistas of Florence – an exclusive experience.
- Ascend the dome of Brunelleschi to get a closer look at the Last Judgement frescoes by Vasari and Zuccari.
- Guess what? You can visit the Opera Museum and Baptistery up to 72 hours after your chosen date!
Tailor your Florence Cathedral Square visit with multiple ticket options!
- Uncover sculptures in the Opera Museum, marble mosaics in the Baptistery, and an ancient church in the Crypt of Santa Reparata.
- You can climb Giotto’s Bell Tower, absorbing unparalleled vistas of Florence – an exclusive experience.
- Ascend the dome of Brunelleschi to get a closer look at the Last Judgement frescoes by Vasari and Zuccari.
- Guess what? You can visit the Opera Museum and Baptistery up to 72 hours after your chosen date!
Inclusions
- Entry to the Florence Cathedral Complex
- Access to Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, the Crypt of Santa Reparata, Opera del Duomo Museum, & St. John's Baptistery
- Access to Giotto's Bell Tower
- Access to Brunelleschi's Dome
Exclusions
- Access to the Secret Terraces
- Live guide
- Strict dress code: Clothing that covers the knees and shoulders. Sandals/flip-flops, hats, and sunglasses must be removed before entry.
- The Dome and Bell Tower are not accessible by wheelchair and not recommended for guests with mobility issues, back problems, or heart conditions.
- While entry to Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral is free, you require tickets to access the rest of the complex.
- The tickets are valid for 3 consecutive days from the date of visit. However, access to the Crypt of Santa Reparata, Brunelleschi's Dome, & Giotto's Bell Tower is timed and must be visited on the date and time selected during checkout.
- The doors to the Cathedral close at 3:45pm and remain closed on Sundays and religious holidays. Plan your visit accordingly.
- Unfortunately, due to restoration works, the mosaics in the vault of the Baptistery are not visible.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Looking for VIP treatment? Here's an exclusive, customizable tour with Florence Cathedral's secret terraces!
- Get unparalleled views of the city and gaze down at the interior of the Cathedral from its North and South terraces, along a 140-meter-long balcony.
- From Bandinelli’s marble choir to Uccello's clock, your guide reveals captivating stories. Choose the small-group tour for personalized insight.
- Get early morning access and watch the doors unlock by upgrading your ticket!
- See the huge technicolor stained-glass occhi windows and Vasari's iconic Last Judgement frescoes up close if you climb Brunelleschi’s Dome.
Looking for VIP treatment? Here's an exclusive, customizable tour with Florence Cathedral's secret terraces!
- Get unparalleled views of the city and gaze down at the interior of the Cathedral from its North and South terraces, along a 140-meter-long balcony.
- From Bandinelli’s marble choir to Uccello's clock, your guide reveals captivating stories. Choose the small-group tour for personalized insight.
- Get early morning access and watch the doors unlock by upgrading your ticket!
- See the huge technicolor stained-glass occhi windows and Vasari's iconic Last Judgement frescoes up close if you climb Brunelleschi’s Dome.
Inclusions
- Guided tour of Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral
- Access to the Secret Terraces
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Early morning guided tour (as per option selected)
- Access to Brunelleschi's Dome (as per option selected)
- Access to Giotto's Bell Tower, Opera del Duomo Museum, & St. John's Baptistery (as per option selected)
- Small group of up to 10 guests (as per option selected)
- Tip: An oft-overlooked gem by Luca della Robbia lies above the Cathedral’s sacristy door – don't miss Resurrection, a striking tin-glazed terracotta with a blue background.
- Strict dress code: Clothing that covers the knees and shoulders. Sandals/flip-flops, hats, and sunglasses must be removed before entry.
- The Dome and Bell Tower are not accessible by wheelchair and not recommended for guests with mobility issues, back problems, or heart conditions.
- Please note that this experience is restricted for children aged 0 to 7 years.
- Children aged 8 to 17 years must be accompanied by an adult
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Get seamless hosted entry and an immersive self-led exploration of the Florence Cathedral complex.
- Tune into accounts of how a goldsmith built the world's largest brick dome, if you select the multilingual audio guide seasoned with art history.
- Step into the medieval era as you venture below the cathedral into Santa Reparata Crypt, where ancient stone carvings and altars await.
- Upgrade to savor the terracotta cityscape from atop Giotto's Bell Tower and Brunelleschi's Dome!
Get seamless hosted entry and an immersive self-led exploration of the Florence Cathedral complex.
- Tune into accounts of how a goldsmith built the world's largest brick dome, if you select the multilingual audio guide seasoned with art history.
- Step into the medieval era as you venture below the cathedral into Santa Reparata Crypt, where ancient stone carvings and altars await.
- Upgrade to savor the terracotta cityscape from atop Giotto's Bell Tower and Brunelleschi's Dome!
Inclusions
- Hosted entry to the Florence Cathedral Complex
- Access to Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, the Crypt of Santa Reparata, Opera del Duomo Museum, & St. John's Baptistery
- Access to Giotto's Bell Tower (if selected)
- Access to Brunelleschi's Dome (if selected)
- Audio guide app in English, French, Italian, Spanish, German, Russian, Japanese, & Chinese (if selected)
Exclusions
- Live guide
- Earphones
- Tip: In the Crypt of Santa Reparata, keep an eye on the floor! Don’t miss the majestic peacock and Solomonic knots among the geometric mosaics.
- Strict dress code: Clothing that covers the knees and shoulders. Sandals/flip-flops, hats, and sunglasses must be removed before entry.
- The Dome and Bell Tower are not accessible by wheelchair and not recommended for guests with mobility issues, back problems, or heart conditions.
- The tickets are valid for 3 consecutive days from the date of visit. However, Dome access is timed and must be visited on the date and time selected during checkout.
- Guide dogs (with relevant certification) are welcome at the venue.
- The doors to the Cathedral close at 3:45pm and remain closed on Sundays and religious holidays. Plan your visit accordingly.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Stand out from the crowd and unravel the secrets of Florence’s historic center with an expert guide.
- Marvel at the massive interiors of Florence Cathedral, from the stained glass windows to Brunelleschi's dome.
- Take in the Renaissance sculptures of Donatello's penitent Mary Magdalene at the Opera del Duomo, and Lorenzo Ghiberti's original bronze doors at the Baptistery.
- Listen to legendary tales of the Medici family as you stroll around the city, from Ponte Vecchio to Uffizi.
- A close-knit group ensures a personal experience, allowing you to connect with fellow travelers as you tune into Florence's past.
- Upgrade to climb Giotto's Bell Tower for dizzying city-wide panoramas, alongside a guide in your preferred language!
Stand out from the crowd and unravel the secrets of Florence’s historic center with an expert guide.
- Marvel at the massive interiors of Florence Cathedral, from the stained glass windows to Brunelleschi's dome.
- Take in the Renaissance sculptures of Donatello's penitent Mary Magdalene at the Opera del Duomo, and Lorenzo Ghiberti's original bronze doors at the Baptistery.
- Listen to legendary tales of the Medici family as you stroll around the city, from Ponte Vecchio to Uffizi.
- A close-knit group ensures a personal experience, allowing you to connect with fellow travelers as you tune into Florence's past.
- Upgrade to climb Giotto's Bell Tower for dizzying city-wide panoramas, alongside a guide in your preferred language!
Inclusions
- Guided tour of the Florence Cathedral Complex with entry
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Access to Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, the Crypt of Santa Reparata, Opera del Duomo Museum, & St. John's Baptistery
- Access to Giotto's Bell Tower (if selected)
- Expert Spanish, French, or German-speaking guide (if selected)
Exclusions
- Access to Brunelleschi's Dome
- Access to the Secret Terraces
- Tip: Want to view the impressive street art of Florence? Consider visiting the Sottopasso delle Cure underpass.
- Strict dress code: Clothing that covers the knees and shoulders required to enter the cathedral. Sandals/flip-flops, hats, and sunglasses must be removed before entry.
- This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible. Ramps are available at the Museum, Cathedral, Baptistry, and Santa Reparata for easy access.
- Guide dogs (with relevant certification) are welcome at the venue.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Join an intimate tour of Florence’s most iconic landmarks with VIP morning entry!
- In small group of just 10 people, avoid crowds at the Accademia Gallery, and gaze at Michelangelo’s 17-foot statue of David in total serenity.
- Next, the ornate Gothic façade of Santa Maria del Fiore greets you as you traverse Florence Cathedral square.
- Gain exclusive access to Brunelleschi’s Dome! Scale the steps to view gigantic frescoes up close, and bask in city-wide vistas.
Join an intimate tour of Florence’s most iconic landmarks with VIP morning entry!
- In small group of just 10 people, avoid crowds at the Accademia Gallery, and gaze at Michelangelo’s 17-foot statue of David in total serenity.
- Next, the ornate Gothic façade of Santa Maria del Fiore greets you as you traverse Florence Cathedral square.
- Gain exclusive access to Brunelleschi’s Dome! Scale the steps to view gigantic frescoes up close, and bask in city-wide vistas.
Inclusions
- Guided tour of Accademia Gallery and Florence Cathedral Square
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Small group of up to 10 guests
- Skip-the-line entry to Accademia Gallery
- Brunelleschi’s Dome climb ticket
- Access to the Opera Museum of the Florence Cathedral
- All entry fees
Exclusions
- Access to the Secret Terraces
- Tip: If you’re a music lover, don’t miss the instrument room in Accademia, featuring a stunning Stradivari tenor viola from 1690!
- Strict dress code: Clothing that covers the knees and shoulders is required to access the cathedral.
- The Dome is not accessible by wheelchair and not recommended for guests with mobility issues, back problems, or heart conditions.
- Climbing the dome involves 463 steps, please ensure you are physically prepared.
- No backpacks are allowed inside.
- This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, pregnant people, and those suffering from vertigo and claustrophobia.
- The tour starts early to avoid crowds, be on time to enjoy the full experience.
- Unfortunately, due to restoration works, the mosaics in the vault of St. John’s Baptistery are not visible.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Fast-track entry to the Duomo and Uffizi with expert insights into Renaissance art.
- Skip long lines at both Uffizi Gallery and the Florence Duomo, saving you time to focus on the art and architecture.
- See Renaissance icons up close – Admire Botticelli’s "Birth of Venus" and Michelangelo’s masterpieces with a guide bringing exciting insights to your visit.
- Explore Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral’s stunning frescoed dome, marble floors, and intricate stained glass with an expert guide.
– Entry to the Museo della Misericordia on the 4th floor, with top-floor panoramic views of Cathedral Square. Bonus admission to National Archaeological Museum and Opificio delle Pietre Dure (within 5 days of Uffizi visit)
Fast-track entry to the Duomo and Uffizi with expert insights into Renaissance art.
- Skip long lines at both Uffizi Gallery and the Florence Duomo, saving you time to focus on the art and architecture.
- See Renaissance icons up close – Admire Botticelli’s "Birth of Venus" and Michelangelo’s masterpieces with a guide bringing exciting insights to your visit.
- Explore Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral’s stunning frescoed dome, marble floors, and intricate stained glass with an expert guide.
– Entry to the Museo della Misericordia on the 4th floor, with top-floor panoramic views of Cathedral Square. Bonus admission to National Archaeological Museum and Opificio delle Pietre Dure (within 5 days of Uffizi visit)
Inclusions
- Guided tour of Uffizi Gallery with skip-the-line entry
- Guided tour of Duomo Florence with skip-the-line entry
- English speaking guide
- Assistance at meeting point
- Entry to Museo della Misericordia
- Earphones for clear audio
- Admission to National Archaeological Museum and Opificio delle Pietre Dure (within 5 days of Uffizi visit)
Exclusions
- Hotel transfers
- Duomo Florence Dome access
- Note that even with skip the entry access, you still might have to go through the security check.
- Entry to the Duomo requires appropriate attire. Sleeveless tops, shorts, hats, and sandals aren’t allowed, so plan to dress modestly.
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 30 minutes before your tour. Please note that any delays may result in missed entry and are non-refundable, so be punctual! You’ll need to store large bags and backpacks at the cloakroom nearby, which can take a bit of time.
- Keep your Uffizi ticket handy to avail free access to the National Archaeological Museum and the Opificio delle Pietre Dure within the next five days.
- Please note that any delays may result in missed entry and are non-refundable, so be punctual!
- Expect a fair amount of walking during the tour. Wearing comfortable shoes will help you fully enjoy your experience in Florence’s historic sites.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Skip the lines and experience the beautiful Duomo Complex on this guided tour.
- Enjoy breathtaking views from Duomo square after the sunset as the sun rays light up the polychrome marble of the buildings.
- Admire the stunning mosaic artworks inside the Baptistery, and beautiful frescoes and marble artworks at the Cathedral.
- Visit the stunning Gate of Paradise by Lorenzo Ghiberti, the Duomo, and S. Maria del Fiore.
- Appreciate the Renaissance era artworks by Michelangelo and Donatello and learn about their historic significance from your guide.
Need to know
- Tip: If you plan to climb to he top of the Cathedral Dome, then it important to assess your physical fitness as there are significant number of narrow steps.
- Headphones are provided for a group of 8 guests.
- Facilities: Wheelchair Accessibility, Pram/Stroller Accessibility.
- It's recommended to cover shoulders and knees as the tour includes visiting places of worship, along with comfortable walking shoes.
- Strict Dress Code: Bare-shoulder and sheath dresses, drawstring and tank tops are not permitted. Necklines that are too obvious must be avoided. Shorts and skirts that end above the knee are not allowed.
- Note that the following are not allowed on this tour: tripod, flash photography, backpacks.
Skip the lines and experience the beautiful Duomo Complex on this guided tour.
- Enjoy breathtaking views from Duomo square after the sunset as the sun rays light up the polychrome marble of the buildings.
- Admire the stunning mosaic artworks inside the Baptistery, and beautiful frescoes and marble artworks at the Cathedral.
- Visit the stunning Gate of Paradise by Lorenzo Ghiberti, the Duomo, and S. Maria del Fiore.
- Appreciate the Renaissance era artworks by Michelangelo and Donatello and learn about their historic significance from your guide.
Need to know
- Tip: If you plan to climb to he top of the Cathedral Dome, then it important to assess your physical fitness as there are significant number of narrow steps.
- Headphones are provided for a group of 8 guests.
- Facilities: Wheelchair Accessibility, Pram/Stroller Accessibility.
- It's recommended to cover shoulders and knees as the tour includes visiting places of worship, along with comfortable walking shoes.
- Strict Dress Code: Bare-shoulder and sheath dresses, drawstring and tank tops are not permitted. Necklines that are too obvious must be avoided. Shorts and skirts that end above the knee are not allowed.
- Note that the following are not allowed on this tour: tripod, flash photography, backpacks.
Inclusions
- 1.5-hour guided tour of Duomo Complex
- Entry to Baptistery
- Entry to Cathedral
- Entry to Duomo's Museum
- Licensed guide
- Headsets (for a group of 8 guests)
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Guided Tours
Florence in a Day: City Centre Walking Tour with Accademia & Uffizi Gallery Tickets
- From iconic architecture to renowned art, enjoy the best of Florence on a guided tour of its center, and skip-the-line access to the Accademia and Uffizi.
- Start in the heart of the city. Traverse Ponte Vecchhio bridge and rub Il Porcelino's nose at the Straw Market before surveying Florence Cathedral's stunning façade.
- At Accademia Gallery, encounter Michelangelo’s seminal sculptures – from the 4-part Prisoner series to the iconic David.
- Uffizi Gallery holds transcendent mythical paintings like Sandro Boticelli’s Birth of Venus and Carravaggio’s Medusa as well as Bacchus.
- Roam the 2 galleries at your own pace, absorbing artistry at your leisure without guided restrictions. Upgrade for an art historian guide on a full-day tour!
- From iconic architecture to renowned art, enjoy the best of Florence on a guided tour of its center, and skip-the-line access to the Accademia and Uffizi.
- Start in the heart of the city. Traverse Ponte Vecchhio bridge and rub Il Porcelino's nose at the Straw Market before surveying Florence Cathedral's stunning façade.
- At Accademia Gallery, encounter Michelangelo’s seminal sculptures – from the 4-part Prisoner series to the iconic David.
- Uffizi Gallery holds transcendent mythical paintings like Sandro Boticelli’s Birth of Venus and Carravaggio’s Medusa as well as Bacchus.
- Roam the 2 galleries at your own pace, absorbing artistry at your leisure without guided restrictions. Upgrade for an art historian guide on a full-day tour!
Inclusions
- Walking tour of the Florence Historic Center
- Expert local guide
- Skip-the-line entry to Accademia Gallery
- Skip-the-line entry to Uffizi Gallery
- Visit the outside of the Florence Duomo
- Small group tour
Exclusions
- Entry to Brunelleschi's Dome
- Entry to Giotto's Bell Tower
- Entry to Opera del Duomo Museum & Baptistery
- Entry to the Secret Terraces
- Piazzale degli Uffizi
- Ponte Vecchio Bridge
- Leather Market
- Piazza Signoria
- Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral
- San Giovanni Baptistery
- Accademia Gallery
- Uffizi Gallery
- Tip: Try to find out more about the ‘secret passage’ of the Medici family that runs through Uffizi Gallery, along Ponte Vecchio, to Pitti Palace!
- Accademia and Uffizi Gallery are some of the most popular tourist destinations and sometimes delays can occur due to increased security measures or unexpectedly large crowds during holidays and festivities. As always, your host will ensure any delays are minimized and you get access as quickly as possible.
- Strict Dress Code: Clothing that covers the knees and shoulders are required in the Cathedral. Sandals, headgear and sunglasses are also not allowed.
- The itinerary may vary; some days, the tour will start at the Uffizi Gallery and end at the Accademia, or vice versa.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Top things to do in Florence
Brunelleschi's dome in a nutshell
Highlights: The dome actually comprises two nesting domes with bricks arranged in a herringbone pattern. Bricks were used in favor of stone since they are lighter. The inside of the dome is decorated with Giorgio Vasari’s iconic fresco ‘The Last Judgment’.
Dimensions: External diameter is 54.8 m; interior diameter is 45.5 m.
Materials used: Brick, sandstone, marble.
Year of completion: 1436
Current use: The purpose of the dome, besides being an architectural marvel (on both the inside and the outside), is also to afford those who climb it the precious and breathtaking view of the Florence skyline.
Your Duomo Florence dome tickets explained
Standard entry
Guided tours
VIP tours
Is dome access included?
Some tickets offer access
Yes
Yes
Why go for it?
This experience gives you the option to climb the dome if you wish to go all the way to the top — and is a budget option if you’re on a self-guided visit.
Benefit from learning the architectural mysteries and lesser-known facts about the Cathedral and its structures, including the show-stopping dome.
Embark on an exclusive tour with a guide who will take you through the Cathedral, the Dome, and even grant you access to the coveted Secret Terraces.
Starting price
• €15
€59
€60
Recommended tickets
Florence Cathedral Tickets with Optional Dome & Bell Tower Climb
Florence Cathedral Guided Tour with Optional Dome Climb
Florence Cathedral VIP Guided Tour with Dome Climb & Secret Terrace Visit
Climbing Brunelleschi's dome
Before the climb
Book your tickets in advance, specifying the date and time for the climb. It is the most coveted Duomo experience, so the tickets sell out real fast. Individuals with medical conditions, mobility issues, or severe claustrophobia may find the climb challenging, so assess your health beforehand. Arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes early.
The climb itself
After the initial ascent, you will find a 3-foot wide ledge lining the inside of the dome, 130+ feet in the air, offering views of the cathedral and frescoes depicting the Last Judgment. Originally built for maintenance workers to climb up and down for the maintenance of the cathedral, the route takes you can take 30-45 minutes.
The panoramic view from the deck
Step into a narrow balcony that opens out to Florence’s skyline, and behold the terracotta-colored roofs splayed out beneath you. Spot landmarks like Palazzo Vecchio, the Pitti Palace and the Florence Santa Croce church from up top. You can take pictures but do not use flash or carry any kind of photography equipment.
Highlights of the Duomo Florence dome
Here's a sneak peek into the planning and architecture that went into the crafting of this magnificent dome.
Engineering
Started in 1420, the construction of the Florence Cathedral Dome was complex procedure because it was built without using a wooden or iron structure to support the masonry. Brunelleschi employed different techniques like building an octagonal double shell made of sandstone and marble.
Proportions
Brunelleschi decided to use bricks instead of stone because they were lighter and easier to form. The use of golden proportion (the ratio between 2 numbers that roughly equals 1.68) adds balance and harmony to each architectural element, adding to the stability of the dome as it stands tall without any buttresses or supporting structures.
Innovations and contributions
Brunelleschi, a visionary, spearheaded innovations like ox-driven hoist machines for lifting heavy stones during the Dome's construction. He employed a self-reinforcing herringbone pattern while laying the bricks. He even designed an amphibious boat to transport marble pieces across Florence without damage.
Vasari's fresco
If you thought the dome was spell-binding on the outside, its colorful and intricate interior is a visual treat. While climbing up the dome, marvel at Vasari’s stunning fresco The Last Judgment, which he could not complete before his death in 1574. His work was finished by Federico Zuccaro. The fresco contains scenes including the 24 members of the Apocalypse, angels and choir singers, and a tableau of hell with its sinners.
Unique facts about the Duomo Florence dome
- Filippo Brunelleschi (who wasn’t even an architect by trade — he was a goldsmith) won the competition of 1418 that decided who would design and construct the Duomo Florence’s dome. He used bricks and sandstone to build it, instead of conventional wood or metal.
- Genius engineering is what makes the dome so steady. Brunelleschi created two domes instead of a single one, one nesting inside the other. This design prevents the dome from bulging outward and creating stress.
- In 15th-century Florence, the Duomo dome was a popular spot for homosexual men to conduct their trysts and rendezvous.
- The Dome marked the beginning of the Renaissance style of architecture — one that beautifully blends the old and the new. While the dome is undoubtedly a nod to the Rome Pantheon dome, it inspired future architectural and building projects like the St. Peter's Basilica in Rome and the United States Capitol, which incorporated the dome into their designs.
Notable figures of the Duomo dome
Flippo Brunelleschi
A goldsmith-turned-architect, Filippo Brunelleschi is the genius behind the impressive dome. His legend was so great that the cathedral made an exception to place his tomb inside.
Giorgio Vasari
The artist behind the fresco that’s visible on the inside of the dome, Vasari’s The Last Judgment is a vibrant exploration of Christian themes, including the Apocalypse and scenes from hell.
Frequently asked questions about Duomo Florence dome tickets
Why should I visit the Duomo dome on my trip to the Florence Cathedral?
Climbing the Duomo dome is highly recommended as it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and acts as the cherry on top of the Florence Cathedral experience. Besides being able to uphold Vasari’s magnificent fresco up close, you’ll also be presented with a lovely view of Florence’s skyline from the viewing deck.
Do I need to book tickets in advance, or can I purchase them on the day of my visit?
We strongly recommend booking your Duomo dome tickets at least 2-3 weeks in advance, especially during peak season. This is also to ensure you get your preferred time slot.
How much time should I allocate to exploring the Duomo dome at the Florence Cathedral?
Aim to set aside at least 1-1.5 hours for a comfortable climb up the dome and time spent on the viewing deck. If you’re taking a guided tour of the Florence cathedral and the dome, then you can expect to spend about 2-2.5 hours in total.
Does the Florence Cathedral guided tour include the dome tour as well?
Yes, if you book Florence Cathedral Guided Tour with Optional Dome Climb you will be able to access the dome if you opt for it.
Is there an option for a private or exclusive tour of the Duomo dome?
Yes, you can book a VIP tour of the Florence Cathedral that offers dome access through Florence Cathedral VIP Guided Tour with Dome Climb & Secret Terrace Visit. One of the options available to you through this tour is an early-access English guided tour as well as an Italian breakfast of croissants and pastries.
Are there any restrictions on photography or filming inside the Duomo dome?
While you can take photographs, avoid flash photography.
Is the dome accessible to wheelchair users?
Since one has to climb up towards the dome from within the cathedral, the climb is not suited for visitors on wheelchairs or those with mobility issues.
Are children allowed to climb the dome?
Yes, children are allowed to climb the dome as well. To get them excited about the adventure, you can prepare them with the book Pippo the Fool by Tracy E. Fern. The book outlines Brunelleschi's achievements in a captivating and kid-friendly manner.
