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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 Rooftop access - See the secret terraces
Florence’s Cathedral Square comes alive with expertly crafted English narration and customizable fast-track ticket options!
- Let an audio guide lead you through the Opera Museum’s sculptures, marble mosaics in the Baptistery, and the Crypt of Santa Reparata’s ancient church.
- Grab an upgrade to climb Giotto’s Bell Tower, taking in the Florentine skyline and Arno River!
- Customize your experience further and scale Brunelleschi's dome. Gaze at Vasari and Zuccari's massive Last Judgement mural up-close.
- Take your time! You can explore the Opera Museum and Baptistery for up to 72 hours after your selected date.
Florence’s Cathedral Square comes alive with expertly crafted English narration and customizable fast-track ticket options!
- Let an audio guide lead you through the Opera Museum’s sculptures, marble mosaics in the Baptistery, and the Crypt of Santa Reparata’s ancient church.
- Grab an upgrade to climb Giotto’s Bell Tower, taking in the Florentine skyline and Arno River!
- Customize your experience further and scale Brunelleschi's dome. Gaze at Vasari and Zuccari's massive Last Judgement mural up-close.
- Take your time! You can explore the Opera Museum and Baptistery for up to 72 hours after your selected 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
- Digital audio guide in English
- Access to Giotto's Bell Tower (if selected)
- Access to Brunelleschi's Dome (if selected)
Exclusions
- Access to the Secret Terraces
- Live guide
- Headphones
- 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, 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.
- 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.
Reviews
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2.7
20 ratings
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What our guests say
Ian
Oct 2024Verified booking
The museum and crypt are a must see. Great to have everything included on the one ticket. The audio guide was also excellent and having it on your phone was a step above. Shame it didn't encompass everything on the ticket.
Elisabetta
Nov 2024Verified booking
Punctuality, efficiency, accuracy. The person who greeted us was very kind and knowledgeable
View original review in Italian
Luisa
Nov 2024Verified booking
It was not what I expected
View original review in Spanish
John
Dec 2024Verified booking
M
Nov 2024Verified booking
Loris
Nov 2024Verified booking
Federica
Nov 2024Verified booking
Tollár
Nov 2024Verified booking
Markus
Oct 2024Verified booking
Susanne
Oct 2024Verified booking
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.
Reviews
How do we collect reviews?
Snapshots from our guests
4.5
2.1K ratings
1.6K
309
27
62
130
What our guests say
Elaine
Nov 2024Verified booking
Our guide spoke impeccable English and was very knowledgeable and able to answer all of our questions. The views from the top of the Duomo are breathtaking (or perhaps it was the stairs that got us there).
Sally
Oct 2024Verified booking
The guides were great! They were very enthusiastic & knowledgeable. Easy to find meeting point with instructions given in confirmation email. Definitely worth the money for the time saved to skip the lines.
Greg
Oct 2024Verified booking
Guide knew his stuff, went at a just right pace. Worked out things with the bakery shop as there usual had not arrived, so we had to get nicer pastries, but at the lower price. He was a little late to start, but it was due to the rain, and he apologized. Very enthusiastic about the Duomo!
Peter
Oct 2024Verified booking
Breathtaking tour led by an outstanding guide. The climb of the Duomo was explained fully and clear options provided for those who wanted to climb. Highly recommend this tour.
Kimberly
Oct 2024Verified booking
The tour was very interesting with a lot of pertinent information. The stairs were challenging for a few people but well worth it. The only negative was the interference with the earplug speakers making it difficult to hear the guide at times.
Marie
Oct 2024Verified booking
Easy instructions to buy and pick up tickets. Helpful and interesting guide. Obviously skipping the queues is a huge bonus. Nothing can beat a climb up the Dome and the views from the top.
Rowan
Sep 2024Verified booking
Tour was great, our guide was pleasant and very informative. Access to the terraces was a nice addition. Dome climb was rather difficult for all in our group but more than worth it. Would recommend this tour overall.
Robert
Sep 2024Verified booking
Really felt like a VIP and skipped lines and crowds. Our tour guide was great and the views and information were awesome.
Danielle
Aug 2024Verified booking
Marta was amazing!! We were fortunate to have her on a previous tour and so happy to see she was out tour for the cathedral as well. She is so knowledgeable and makes the history fun. Very engaging guide and really wants people to enjoy and learn. I would t have gotten up the dome without her encouragement and I appreciate very much the care she took. Thank you, Marta!
Annmarie
Jul 2024Verified booking
The guide was knowledgeable and easy to follow. She didn't rush us up the stairs. She explained every single thing we looked at. Great comprehensive tour.
Elise
Jun 2024Verified booking
Would highly recommend a guided tour of the cathedral, Alexandra was great! and the terrace access was w nice bonus - got a better view, I assume similar to what the bell tower would provide - but also was a nice little break before the other half of the climb. Please note some areas of the dome climb are uneven and narrow so not suitable for mobility issues.
Emily
Jun 2024Verified booking
Loved being able to climb to the top and have secret access to the areas no one else got to go! What a treat! Our guide was excellent! She was witty, entertaining, and enthusiastic!
Thomas
Jun 2024Verified booking
Gaining access to the top of the duomo and the terrace was incredible. The guide was very knowledgeable and passionate.
Jennifer
Jun 2024Verified booking
i booked an english speaking tour but you guys put me with a spanish speaking tour ... Luckily the tour guide and host company was great and was able to accommodate both English and Spanish descriptions of everything.
Christine
Jun 2024Verified booking
The secret terrace and additional Duomo climb was really awesome and surprising. Such a great view of the dome and the city!
Kristi
Jun 2024Verified booking
We had a small group so it wasn't overwhelming or hard to hear our guide. The climb up the dome wasn't difficult since there were places to rest. And the view at the top was amazing.
Uliana
May 2024Verified booking
We had a great tour guide. Laura was interesting and fun, she obviously knows a lot about the Cathedral. 2,5 hours just flew by
Josephine
May 2024Verified booking
Strongly recommend, totally worth the price ! The guide was excellent, we had the cathedral and the top of the duomo to ourselves ! We could fully admire the beauty of it ! The breakfast was in a typical florentino cafe, and was delicious. Even better : the tickets we were given at the end allow fast pass entry to the duomo, the cathedral, and many other monuments / museums for 72h (so you can even come back whenever you want) !
Samuel
May 2024Verified booking
This was the best experience we had in Italy. Early bird gets the worm. We were the first people in the cathedral and the first to ascend to the duomo. It was my wife's birthday and somehow we were the only 2 on the sunrise tour so it was a private tour. Amazing!!!!
Richard
May 2024Verified booking
Getting up early to start a tour at 6:45 may sound daunting but it was an excellent choice. We entered the baptistery before it officially opened and were the first guests in the cathedral. It was serene to be so few in this majestic building. The guide was courteous, attentive and very knowledgeable, full of historical anecdotes that contributed to a wonderful experience. She also provided several useful tips about other places to visit. Be prepared--there are lots of steps!! Later in the day, we passed by the cathedral and saw the crowds and extremely long lines. We were ever more grateful for the peaceful, early morning experience.
Barry
Apr 2024Verified booking
The operator, Aurora, was excellent, personable and knowledgeable. It was a relief to visit a brick and morter tour office as well. The trip to see the duomo was great. Some members of the tour had issues with the height and enclosed spaces of the walkways. Perhaps this could have been made a bit more clear for them. It was great to see a different perspective of such an iconic landmark. It was a bit expensive on my opinion, but I would recommend it.
Geoffrey
Mar 2024Verified booking
I liked the exclusive access and the guide was very knowledgeable. I found myself wanting to know more about the buildings itself however
Traci-Ann
Nov 2024Verified booking
Nice small group and expert guide. Answered lots of questions. Knew his subject matter well.
Stanley
Oct 2024Verified booking
The historical background of the Florence Cathedral
Felipe
Oct 2024Verified booking
The view from the terrace is a marvel
View original review in Spanish
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.
Top things to do in Florence
Duomo rooftop | Quick facts
- Location: Piazza del Duomo, Florence, Italy
- Height: 32 meters (105 ft)
- Access: Exclusive tours or ticketed entry
- Features: Closed to the public, opened only for special tours
- Highlights: Breathtaking panoramic views of Florence
- Architect: Filippo Brunelleschi
- Notable elements: Paolo Uccello’s clock, Vasari’s frescoes, Bandinelli’s marble choir
- Construction: Completed in the 15th century, 140 years to complete, initiated in 1296
Why visit the Duomo rooftop?
- Incredible views: If you think Florence is beautiful, wait till you catch the incredible views of Florence's skyline and its legendary landmarks from the top.
- Exclusive access: Sneak into the usually off-limits terraces for a secret rendezvous with the city– you won't know the fun until you try it!
- Groundbreaking architecture: Get the chance to closely observe the genius of Brunelleschi's self-standing Dome, a game-changer in the history of engineering and architecture.
- A private skywalk: Float amid ancient rooftops, towers, with the impressive Dome towering just meters above – a unique and unforgettable experience!
Duomo rooftop highlights
Brunelleschi's Dome
The Dome is the main character of the Cathedral rooftop. This pioneering engineering feat, the first octagonal dome without a wooden frame, features an innovative double-shell design. With an inner shell for support and an outer shell for aesthetics and weather protection, a visit to the rooftop offers an intimate encounter with this iconic dome, turning the ascent into a visual journey through Brunelleschi's groundbreaking achievement.
More on Brunelleschi's Dome
Enjoy panoramic views
As you ascend, the sweeping views of Florence's beautiful cityscape come to life. Admire the Cathedral's dome, terracotta rooftops, and rolling hills. The rooftop's unique vantage point allows you to freeze Florence's charm in vivid detail—every silhouette, play of sunlight, and vibrant hue. It's a front-row seat to Florence's fascinating story, etching its beauty in your memory and your photobook, forever!
Exclusive circular room
Conclude your guided tour in an exclusive circular room, accessible only with a private tour. Located within the Duomo, this intimate space boasts a unique collection of ancient statues that once decorated Cathedral's facade. Witness skilled restorers at work, with tools bearing stucco traces and learn about the meticulous restoration process. It's an intimate encounter with art, history, and craftsmanship, offering a close view of the Duomo's cultural legacy.
Northern terrace skywalk
The thrilling Northern Terrace Skywalk is an adventure that takes you through narrow, open-air corridors that have been off-limits to the public for centuries. Emerging onto the Northern Terrace, the city unfolds below, revealing panoramic views of Piazza del Duomo and Florence's iconic skyline. It's not just a walk; it's a journey through time, offering a perspective reserved for a fortunate few.
Frequently asked questions about Florence's Duomo rooftop
Is the Duomo rooftop accessible independently or only through guided tours?
Fortunately or unfortunately, the Duomo rooftop is accessible only through exclusive guided tours. Independent access is not available, ensuring a structured and informative experience for visitors.
What is special about Duomo's rooftop in Florence?
The Duomo rooftop in Florence is like stepping into a postcard! Navigate the hidden Northern terrace through an intriguing skywalk, unveiling narrow, open-air corridors with centuries of history. You've got this sweeping views of historic landmarks, terracotta rooftops, and the rolling hills. It's not just a rooftop; it's like Florence showing off its best angles.
Are there elevators available for accessing the rooftop, and how many steps are there?
No, there are no elevators available for accessing the Duomo rooftop. Visitors must climb approximately 463 steps to reach the top.
What precautions should individuals with heart conditions or claustrophobia consider before climbing to the rooftop?
Individuals with heart conditions or claustrophobia should consult their healthcare provider before climbing to the Duomo Rooftop in Florence. The ascent involves narrow and open-air corridors, numerous steps, and no elevator. Visitors with such conditions should be cautious and consider alternative experiences.
Can visitors carry bulky backpacks or bags to the Duomo rooftop?
Visitors are not allowed to carry bulky backpacks or bags to the Duomo Rooftop. As an alternative, it is recommended to travel light with smaller bags or purses. Additionally, there are facilities available where visitors can store larger backpacks or belongings securely before proceeding to the rooftop tour. This ensures a comfortable and unrestricted experience during the visi
Is it possible to purchase Duomo Rooftop tickets online, and what are the benefits of doing so?
Yes, it is possible to purchase Duomo Rooftop tours and tickets online. Booking tickets online offers several benefits, including the ability to choose your preferred date and time, skip the line at the ticket counter, and sometimes access discounted prices. Online reservations also provide the convenience of securing your spot in advance, ensuring a smoother and more efficient entry to the Duomo Rooftop experience.
Who designed the roof of the Duomo in Florence?
The roof of the Duomo in Florence, officially known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, was designed and built by Filippo Brunelleschi. Brunelleschi, an Italian architect and engineer, completed the construction of the massive dome in 1436, employing innovative architectural techniques that contributed to its structural stability and iconic design.
What are the unique features of the Northern Terrace Skywalk, and is it part of the standard tour?
The Northern Terrace Skywalk is a unique feature of the VIP tour, offering an exclusive and captivating experience. As part of the tour, you not only get access to the iconic dome and explore the interior of the Florence Cathedral, but you also have the opportunity to visit the Secret Terrace. This 140-meter long balcony provides unparalleled views of the city, allowing you to gaze down into the Cathedral. The tour encompasses a comprehensive exploration of the Cathedral, from Bandinelli's marble choir to Uccello's clock, providing an exclusive treatment that goes beyond the standard offerings.
Is there any dress code to visit the Duomo rooftop?
While there is no specific dress code for the Duomo rooftop itself, visitors are mandated to dress modestly when exploring the Cathedral and its surroundings. It's recommended to cover shoulders and knees, particularly when entering religious sites like the Florence Cathedral. Additionally, comfortable walking shoes are advisable, as the tour involves navigating through narrow and open-air corridors. While there may not be a specific dress code for the rooftop, respecting general modesty guidelines is recommended.
Are there specific time slots for accessing the Duomo Rooftop, and can visitors enter independently at any time?
Access to the Duomo Rooftop is typically organized through guided tours or specific time slots to ensure the safety and enjoyment of visitors. Visitors cannot enter independently at any time. The terraces are usually accessed with a companion or guide, and the visit follows scheduled time slots.
Are there any age restrictions for accessing the Duomo Rooftop?
There are no specific age restrictions for accessing the Duomo Rooftop. Visitors of all ages can enjoy the experience. However, it's important to consider the physical demands of climbing stairs, as there is no lift available. Bonus tip: One should assess their own fitness level and comfort with stairs before deciding to join the rooftop tour.
What is the cancellation policy for Duomo Rooftop tickets, and can they be rescheduled?
The cancellation policy for Duomo Rooftop tickets allows you to cancel them up to 24 hours before the experience begins, and in such cases, you are eligible for a full refund.
How long does the guided tour of the Duomo Rooftop typically last?
The guided tour of the Duomo Rooftop typically lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes.
