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Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

  • Florence, Tuscany, Italy

Last updated: 27 March, 2024

Completed in 1436, this multi-colored marble megalith is crowned with one of the marvels of the Renaissance world; Brunelleschi’s vast double-shelled dome – built without scaffolding – was a breathtaking feat of engineering.

If time is short, skip the cathedral’s barn-like interior and visit the dome (463 steps) and Giotto’s magnificent bell tower (414 steps).

While you’re there

Head across the road to the Cathedral Works Museum to see Michelangelo’s Pietà along with sculptures from the Duomo’s façade and the original bronze doors of the Baptistery.

The octagonal, Romanesque Baptistry is thought to date from the Dark Ages making it one of the oldest buildings in the city. It’s famous for its three sets of ornate bronze doors made by Andrea Pisano and Lorenzo Ghiberti: the originals are in the Cathedral Works Museum.

Logistics

Price from: £16
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The Duomo is a 10-minute walk from Santa Maria Novella train station.

To circumvent the inevitable long queues, book a tour (group or individual), or you can book to see different combinations of the buildings you’re interested in (museum, dome, bell tower, baptistery and the crypt of Santa Reparata). There are also audio guides available at an audio guides desk inside the cathedral.

When to do it

The cathedral is open all year round, seven days a week. Different elements open at different times of the day. If you’re pre-booking, go in the early morning or early evening when views are at their most spectacular.

Who to go with: organised tours

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

  • Florence

Skip the entrance lines and climb to the top of Brunelleschi's Dome with an expert guide! Majestically dominating the city skyline, the terracotta dome of Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore (or Florence Duomo, as it’s more commonly known) is easily Florence's most iconic attraction. Experience this masterpiece of architectural genius. Please be aware that every 1st Tuesday of each month, the Cathedral Museum is closed and will be subsituted by a guided tour inside the Baptistry.

Price €104

Min age 7

Rating 4.80 / 5 [919 ratings]

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  • Florence

Skip the long lines to both the Accademia and the Catherdral on this Best of Florence guided tour. Begin with skip-the-line access to get up close to Michelangelo's 'David' in the Accademia Gallery. Then see the Duomo, the city's iconic, Gothic-style cathedral with your skip-the-line access and guided tour inside the Cathedral & Duomo. Afterwards, your guide will take you to Piazza della Signoria, an open-air art gallery where Michelangelo's David was originally supposed to stand. Then explore the streets of Florence, taking in landmarks like the Ponte Vecchio bridge, Palazzo della Signoria e Piazza della Repubblica and learn about the influence of the famous Medici family on Florence.

Price €72

Min age 0

Rating 4.72 / 5 [915 ratings]

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  • Florence

Discover Florence Cathedral and see the city from 2 exclusive and breathtaking point of views: the terraces and Brunelleschi's magnificent Dome. Our tour is fully guided by an official expert: don't miss the opportunity to learn everything about the frescos you will admire from a short distance while you are climbing the Dome. Exclusive access to the terrace is reserved, not available to the general public. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to be among the first to enter, escorted by the official key-holder of the day

Price €68

Min age 7

Rating 4.76 / 5 [763 ratings]

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  • Florence

Exclusive entry and pre-reserved tickets for Brunelleschi's dome (cupola) Pre-reserved tickets for the Accademia to admire Michelangelo's David Small groups for a more personalized attention Learn in the company of a local expert Visit the famous cathedral of Florence to enjoy all of its grandeur Benefit from the Brunelleschi Pass to visit the Baptistery, Museum, and Giotto's bell tower.

Price €89

Min age 0

Rating 4.59 / 5 [595 ratings]

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  • Florence

Explore Florentine art and architecture on a tour that gets you past the typical long lines at the Accademia Gallery and the Duomo. You'll breeze past the long line to marvel at Michelangelo’s statue of David, granting you incredible insight into the mind of a master. After, you’ll stop at Piazza del Duomo outside the Baptistery and check out the incredible bronze-cast doors by Lorenzo Ghiberti, coined the "Gates of Paradise" by Michelangelo. Continue on to the jewel of Florence, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, with a special skip-the-line entrance up to the terraces—an exclusive space rarely visited by the general public. You’re welcome to continue your journey up to the top of Florence by climbing to the top of the dome to soak up even more spectacular views of the city. With all entrance fees included, an expert guide, and a small group of just 18 guests max for a more intimate experience, there’s no better way to see Florence’s top attractions.

Price €127

Min age 0

Rating 4.85 / 5 [567 ratings]

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