The Duomo Florence: Everything You Need To Know To Visit
Are you planning on visiting the Duomo Florence? Great decision! It’s a beautiful place to visit, with so much history and incredible architecture.
We visited Florence and the Duomo and were blown away by it. We love Florence; the whole city is like walking through an art gallery. The museums, the architecture, the food – it’s one of our favourite places.
The Duomo, officially known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, is one of Florence’s most iconic landmarks and an absolute masterpiece of Renaissance architecture – we were absolutely blown away. Renowned as one of Italy’s most iconic buildings, visiting the Duomo is one of the top things to do whilst in Florence.
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Located in the heart of Florence, its construction began in 1296 and lasted for centuries, with various architects contributing to its design. The most famous part of the Duomo is its impressive dome, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, which remains the largest brick dome ever constructed.
If you have time then you can climb to the top of the dome for wonderful panoramic views over the city of Florence. It is is a religious symbol and a symbol of Florence’s cultural and artistic heritage, attracting millions of visitors each year.
In this post is everything that you need to know to plan your visit, including the opening hours of Duomo, the ticket prices of the Duomo Florence and the dress code that you need to adhere to to enter.
In a hurry? Here is our quick guide to visiting the Duomo in Florence!
How to get here: Florence has one small airport, Amerigo Vespucci Airport. The second closest airport is the Pisa Airport, Galileo Galilei. However, depending on flight times, sometimes it can be easier to fly to Rome and then take a train to Florence.
What language is spoken? Italian
What currency is used? The Euro
Where to stay: 25hours Hotel Florence Piazza San Paolino – A gorgeous hotel located in the city centre that blends modern design with classic Italian architecture.
When to visit: April to May is the best time to visit Florence; there’s a good chance of sunshine, but it won’t be too hot and the crowds won’t have arrived yet.,
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Visiting and climbing the Duomo of Florence – Everything you need to know
The best things to do at the Duomo complex in Florence
- Climb the Duomo Florence. Climb the 463 steps to the top of the Brunelleschi-designed dome for breathtaking panoramic views of Florence’s skyline.
- Visit the Duomo Museum. Delve into the rich history of the Duomo complex at the museum, which houses a remarkable collection of religious artifacts, sculptures, and artworks.
- Spend your morning wandering around the Piazza del Duomo, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and admiring the architecture of the surrounding buildings.
- If you have time, then we recommend grabbing a gelato from Gelateria Edoardo, located on the corner of the piazza. It serves delicious gelato and is a great place to grab one from on a hot day to stroll around the cathedral with!
A brief history of the Florence Duomo
The Duomo, officially known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture located in Florence, Italy. Its construction began in 1296 under the supervision of architect Arnolfo di Cambio. However, it wasn’t until 1436 that the dome, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, was completed, making it the largest brick dome ever constructed.
Throughout its history, the Duomo has undergone several modifications and additions, including the elaborate façade designed by Emilio De Fabris in the 19th century. The cathedral is adorned with intricate marble work, sculptures, and frescoes by renowned artists such as Donatello, Andrea del Castagno, and Paolo Uccello.
The Duomo also houses impressive works of art within its interior, including the magnificent fresco of the Last Judgment by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari. Additionally, visitors can climb the 463 steps to the top of the dome for panoramic views of Florence and its surroundings.
Today, the Duomo remains a symbol of Florence’s rich cultural heritage and serves as a major tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors from around the world each year.
Did you know? The word ‘Duomo’ refers to the whole complex in the Piazza del Duomo, people generally use the word to refer to the Florence cathedral.
Whether you have one day in Florence or several, here’s how to make the most of your time at the Duomo Complex!
What is the Duomo Florence opening times?
Cathedral: Mon-Sat, 10:15 am – 4:45 pm; closed Sundays.
Of course, you can walk around the outside of it at any time during the day or night.
Monday- Saturday: 10:15 am-3:45 pm
It is closed on Sundays and religious holidays.
Duomo opening times
- Monday-Friday: 8:15am-7:30pm
- Saturdays: 8:15am-5:15pm
- Sundays: 12:45pm-5:15pm
It is closed on religious holidays.
Mass Opening times
You may enter outside of the visitor hours noted above to attend a mass, which are held daily at:
- 8am – Office of Morning Readings and Lauds
- 8:30am – Capitular Holy Mass
- 10am – Santa Mass
- 5:30pm – Rosary
- 6pm – Santa Mass
On religious holidays the mass schedule changes, check out the official website of the cathedral for all the details.
Cost of a ticket for the Duomo of Florence complex
It’s completely free to stroll into the Piazza del Duomo and it’s one of the most magical things to do – especially at sunrise without the huge crowds. However, if you want to go up to the famous viewpoints or enter the majority of the buildings within the Duomo complex, then you need to buy a ticket.
Prior to 2020, it was possible to buy one single ticket (€18 valid for 72 hours) that covered entry to all areas of the Duomo complex. Then, during the pandemic, it become necessary to purchase individual tickets for all attractions besides the cathedral.
Florence Duomo tickets vary depending on your ticket type. Florence Cathedral Tickets with Optional Dome & Bell Tower Climb €15, Florence Cathedral Express Guided Tour €23 and Florence Duomo: Skip the Line Tour with Cupola Climb Up €59.
But your tickets for the Duomo Florence beforehand to skip the queue. The Duomo Complex Guided Tour with Dome Admission costs €50.
f you do want to buy your ticket on the day instead of online before then this is an option. You can purchase your ticket in person from the official ticket office at 7 Piazza San Giovanni (Google Maps).
It’s open from 8.15 am to 6:45 pm, but you will have limited availability and options if you buy it on the day you plan to visit and you could end up queuing for a long time. This is why we don’t advise this way.
Cost of a ticket for The Dome Climb
Climbing Brunelleschi’s Dome is a must on your trip to Florence. Tickets to climb the Brunelleschi Dome can be purchased online at the official website of the Florence museums as part of the Brunelleschi Pass.
We don’t advise waiting until the day to buy them on the door as there are usually very long queues and you’ll waste unnecessary time waiting in line to purchase your ticket.
What is the dress code?
To visit the Duomo Florence you must wear modest clothing, as you would in any other religious spot and follow the Duomo dress code. Before entering ensure that your shoulders and knees are covered and that you are wearing modest clothing, especially inside the Duomo. It is also recommended to follow the dress code in all other locations within the Duomo complex to ensure a respectful and appropriate visit.
How many stairs do I need to climb?
You can climb up to the dome, making your way through the narrow corridors that were used by workers at various stages of the cathedral’s construction.
There is no lift up so you need to be prepared to walk up 463 steps and be comfortable with tight spaces.
Our top tips for climbing the Duomo in Florence
While visiting the Duomo, it is entirely optional to climb the stairs to the pinnacle of Brunelleschi’s Dome when touring the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral; from here, you’ll see the Duomo ceiling and the surrounding marble. Plus, the views from the top make it well worth it! If you’re able, then we recommend climbing the Duomo in Florence.
Whilst climbing the duomo, the first level you’ll stop at is the ledge of the Last Judgment, which gives you an incredible view of the 38,000 sq ft frescoed dome interior.
Once you have walked around this ledge, keep climbing up through the inner shell and you will reach the very top of the dome.
There is a dedicated entrance at the Porta della Mandorla specifically for visitors climbing the dome.
How long does it take to climb the Duomo Florence stairs?
Depending on your pace it takes around 30-40 minutes to climb the Duomo in Florence.
Top Tip: If you want to get photos outside of the Duomo, then visit at sunrise. It can get extremely busy, meaning that it will be very hard to get photos without hundreds of other tourists in it. During sunrise, the Duomo is quiet and serene. Even if you’re not looking to snap any photos, we still recommend visiting during this time to enjoy the beautiful architecture away from the crowds.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about visiting The Duomo Florence
To enter the Duomo Florence you have to dress in suitable clothing. Including covering bare legs and shoulders. You’re also not allowed to wear sandals, hats or sunglasses inside the cathedral. Bulky backpacks and bags are also not allowed.
If you want to fully experience the Duomo in Florence then we recommend taking a guided tour of the inside including climbing the dome for the full experience! You’ll learn about the history and architecture of the Duomo complex whilst getting to marvel at the incredible interiors.
This depends on your reason for visiting however, we recommend getting to the Duomo Florence for sunrise. This was you’ll beat the majority of the crowds and get to see the sunrise just behind the Florence Duomo complex.
Is it worth going inside Duomo Florence?
If you are interested in learning more about the cathedrals history and see the incredible architecture and decoration inside then yes, it is worth going inside. If you are more interested in admiring it from the outside, then it’s probably not.
If you would like to go inside then make sure that you book your tickets in advance so that you don’t have to waste a long time queuing for them. Arrive early to beat most of the crowds and cover your knees and shoulders – it’s a religious place after all.
If you only have one day in Florence then we recommend visiting the Duomo Florence, Piazzale Michelangelo and Palazzo Vecchio if you have the time.
Here are a few of our favourite Florence cathedral photos:
