Florence Cathedral — History, Tours & Visitor Info (2025)
Discover the story of Santa Maria del Fiore—from Brunelleschi’s revolutionary dome to Giotto’s elegant bell tower and Ghiberti’s golden Baptistery doors. Plan tickets, climbs, and museum visits with ease.
Book Duomo Tickets & ToursWhy Visit Florence Cathedral?
The Florence Cathedral (Duomo) is a masterpiece of faith and engineering. Its brick-and-mortar wonder—the Dome by Filippo Brunelleschi—reshaped Renaissance architecture, while the Campanile by Giotto and the Baptistery of San Giovanni complete one of Europe’s most important sacred complexes. Inside, gaze up at the vast Last Judgment fresco, climb 463 steps to the dome’s lantern for panoramic views, and see original sculptures in the Opera del Duomo Museum.
Brunelleschi’s Dome
Self-supporting double shell; an audacious 15th-century solution to span a 45.5 m wide drum—no scaffolding from the ground.
Giotto’s Bell Tower
Campanile in pink, white and green marble; 414 steps to one of Florence’s best skyline viewpoints.
Quick Timeline
- 1296 — Cathedral begun under Arnolfo di Cambio on an older church’s footprint.
- 1334 — Giotto starts the bell tower; completed mid-14th century.
- 1420–1436 — Brunelleschi builds the Dome; cathedral consecrated in 1436 by Pope Eugene IV.
- 1425–1452 — Ghiberti crafts the Baptistery’s “Gates of Paradise.”
- 1572–1579 — Vasari & Zuccari paint the dome’s Last Judgment fresco.
- 1871–1887 — Neo-Gothic marble façade completed by Emilio De Fabris.
- 2015 — Opera del Duomo Museum reopens after major expansion.
Top Tours & Ticket Options
Dome Climb Ticket (Timed Entry)
463 steps up between the dome’s shells to the lantern terrace; includes Cathedral access.
Duomo Cathedral Guided Tour
Skip long lines with a licensed guide; learn the symbolism, art, and urban history around the Piazza del Duomo.
Duomo Complex Pass (Multi-day)
Access to Baptistery, Giotto’s Bell Tower, Opera del Duomo Museum, and Santa Reparata.
Express Cathedral Entry
Fast-track access with host assistance—ideal if you’re tight on time and want to focus on highlights.
Storyline & What You’ll See
Architecture & Engineering
The dome’s double-shell structure uses herringbone brickwork and a chain system to distribute weight—centuries ahead of its time. Inside, Vasari’s Last Judgment rises across 3,600 m² of fresco. The nave’s geometric marble floor and clock by Paolo Uccello (with hours after sunset) are must-see details.
- The Dome walkways—view the fresco up close before stepping outside.
- Giotto’s Tower—terraces frame the dome perfectly for photos.
- Baptistery mosaics—glittering 13th-century gold scenes beneath the octagonal vault.
Don’t Miss
The Opera del Duomo Museum houses original masterpieces: Ghiberti’s doors (indoors for conservation), Donatello’s haunting Magdalen, Michelangelo’s unfinished Pietà, and façade sculptures displayed at true scale.
Step into Santa Reparata (beneath the cathedral floor) to trace earlier church remains and mosaic fragments, connecting Rome-to-Renaissance layers of Florence’s sacred heart.
Insider Tips
Reserve the Dome
Brunelleschi’s Dome requires a timed reservation. Book early for morning or late-day light and smaller crowds.
Dress Code
As an active cathedral, modest attire is required (shoulders and knees covered). Security may deny entry otherwise.
Steps & Fitness
The dome climb is 463 steps and the bell tower 414 steps, with narrow passages—no lifts.
Free Cathedral Entry
The nave is free, but queues can be long. Consider a guided visit or fast-track option to save time.
Photography
Best exterior shots: Piazza del Duomo corners for symmetry, and Piazzale Michelangelo for skyline sunsets.
Visitor Cheatsheet
Opening Hours
Hours vary by site and liturgy; Sundays/holy days can affect access. Always check the latest schedule before you go.
Tickets at a Glance
Dome Climb (timed) · Cathedral Tours · 3-Day Duomo Complex Pass (Baptistery, Bell Tower, Museum, Santa Reparata).
What to Bring
Comfortable shoes, water, modest clothing, and your ID matching any timed reservations.
Getting There
10–15 min walk from Firenze S. M. Novella station; city buses stop near Via dei Cerretani / Piazza San Giovanni.
Ready to Explore the Duomo Complex?
Secure your climb slot, choose a guided tour, or grab a multi-day pass to see the Baptistery, Bell Tower, and Museum at your own pace.
See Tickets & Passes