The main entrance to the Cathedral can be found next to the main door, right beside the Bell Tower. The entrances to the other attractions are located at the respective buildings.
Where is it?: Facing the west, the main facade entrance is the primary entrance for visitors.
The grand main entrance is adorned with intricate sculptures and detailed artwork, giving you an interesting teaser of Florence's Cathedral architectural beauty. The entry to cathedral is free for visitors.
How to reach: Located at the front of the cathedral, accessible from the square.
Timings: Monday to Saturday, 10:15 AM to 3:45 PM, with the last admission at 3:30 PM. Closed on Sundays.
Average wait time: Upto 1 hour in busy times, 20-30 minutes in low season.
Facilities: Ticketing services, information desk, and audio guides.
Accessibility: Yes
Where is it?: Situated on the north side of the cathedral.
The North Entrance, named Porta della Mandorla, features an almond-shaped relief depicting the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, creating a unique and artistic entry point.
How to reach?: Go to the north side of the cathedral it is facing the Piazza San Giovanni.
Timings: Monday to Saturday, 10:15 AM to 3:45 PM, with the last admission at 3:30 PM. Closed on Sundays.
Average wait time: 30 minutes in busy times and 5-10 minutes otherwise.
Facilities: Limited facilities, mainly entrance access.
Accessibility: Yes
Where is it?: Positioned on the south side of the cathedral.
The South Entrance, known as Porta dei Canonici, may have its own distinct architectural features, providing an alternative perspective to the cathedral's magnificence. It is less commonly used by visitors.
How to reach: Accessible from the southern side of the cathedral, it is facing the Baptistery of San Giovanni.
Timings: Monday to Saturday, 10:15 AM to 3:45 PM, with the last admission at 3:30 PM. Closed on Sundays.
Average wait time: 15-20 minutes
Facilities: Limited facilities, primarily for entrance access.
Accessibility: Yes
There are three entrances at Duomo Florence:
- Main Facade Entrance (West Facade): The grand main entrance adorned with intricate sculptures, offering free access to the cathedral.
- North Entrance (Porta della Mandorla): Located on the north side, features an almond-shaped relief depicting the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
- South Entrance (Porta dei Canonici): Positioned on the south side, it provides an alternative perspective to the cathedral's magnificence.
The separate queue for skip-the-line and pre-booked ticket holders is at the Duomo Florence is usually the main facade entrance (West Facade).
If you don't have a pre-booked Duomo ticket, you should use the main facade entrance (West Facade) at the Duomo Florence.
The Duomo Florence entrances are located on the main facade (West Facade), North Entrance (Porta della Mandorla), and South Entrance (Porta dei Canonici).
The South Entrance (Porta dei Canonici) of the Duomo Florence usually has a shorter average wait time compared to the main facade and North Entrance.
The wait times at the main entrance of Duomo Florence vary, typically ranging from 20 to 30 minutes in less crowded periods to an hour or more during peak times. Consider visiting during off-peak hours or using skip-the-line options for a smoother experience. Facilities like ticketing services are available at this entrance.
For Duomo Florence guided tours, guests will take a different route to explore the Cathedral. Once you meet your tour guide, they will direct you to your entrance.
If you are part of a group, you must use the same entrance as the others. The entrance to the Cathedral can be found next to the Bell Tower.
To avoid waiting in line for a long time, book your tickets online and in advance. This saves you the hassle of buying them on-site at the ticket office. Additionally, you can visit the attraction on a weekday in the morning hours to avoid crowds.
The opening hours of the Cathedral are from 10:15 AM to 4:45 PM, 8:15 AM to 7:45 PM for Giotto’s Bell Tower, and 9 AM to 7:45 PM for the Duomo Museum. The Dome is accessible from Monday to Friday between 8:15 AM and 7:30 PM and on Saturday between 8:15 AM to 4:30 PM. The attraction is closed on public holidays and Sundays.
Visit Duomo Florence on a weekday in the morning to avoid long lines. Keep in mind that the Dome opens at 8:15 AM so you can head up to get a beautiful morning view of the city.
The main entrance (west facade) of Duomo Florence tends to be the busiest, with wait times varying. The north entrance (Porta della Mandorla) usually has shorter waits, while the south entrance (Porta dei Canonici) is less crowded. Choosing less busy entrances can enhance your experience.