Things to do in Florence Cathedral
Standing tall amid the iconic city skyline is the majestic Florence Cathedral (officially known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore) and its red-tiled cupola. A symbol of this glorious city and marked by its Gothic beauty, no trip to Florence is complete without entering its hallowed bronze doors.
A hundred and fifty years in the making, it was Arnolfo di Cambio who first started working on it in 1296. Its lofty dome was added much later in 1436 by Filippo Brunelleschi. His revolutionary design, which incorporates a second inner dome and interlocking brickwork to reduce the structure's enormous weight, was celebrated as a feat of engineering. Brunelleschi’s dome remains the largest ever constructed in brick.
In the 19th century the cathedral received its now familiar elaborate Gothic facade in pink, white and green polychrome marble. Designed by architect Emilio de Fabris, it replaced the incomplete original, which was torn down in the 16th century. In constrast the cathedral’s interior is surprisingly stark, as most of its art works have been moved to the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo. That said you can still admire impressive frescoes, up to 44 stained-glass windows and the excavated remains of the basilica of Santa Reparata that lie beneath the cathedral.
The cathedral complex is completed by the Baptistry of San Giovanni, with its striking golden door (the aptly named Gates of Paradise) and shimmering ceiling mosaic, along with Giotto’s graceful campanile. Climb the latter for sweeping panoramic views from its terrace. You can also admire masterpieces by Michelangelo, Arnolfo, Ghiberti, Donatello, Luca della Robbia, Antonio Pollaiolo, and Verrocchio at the nearby Museo dell’Opera.
Opening hours
Cathedral 10am-4.30pm
Dome 8.30am-7.00pm
Baptistry 8.15am-10.15am & 11.15am-7.30pm
Bell Tower 8.15am-7.20pm
Crypt 10.00am-5pm
Museum 9.00am-7.00pm
Our recommendations in Florence Cathedral
Express guided tour of Florence Duomo with Skip-the-Line Access
Book your Florence Duomo express guided tour with Musement. The iconic Florence Duomo minus the crowds with our no wait access and visit the spectacular Duomo, an architectural masterpiece
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Florence audio guide with TravelMate app
Explore Florence at your leisure with this TravelMate app on your mobile device. Don't miss anything and learn interesting facts about the city.
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Florence self-guided audio tour
Explore Florence at your own pace! Enjoy an app containing over 130 points of interest, famous transport routes, sightseeing itineraries and walking tours.
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Florence Duomo Cathedral guided tour with skip-the-line ticket from Siena
Explore the city on foot with a knowledgeable guide. Visit its most iconic landmarks, from grand piazzas to famous bridges and cathedrals.
en, it, es
Express guided tour of Florence Duomo with Skip-the-Line Access
Book your Florence Duomo express guided tour with Musement. The iconic Florence Duomo minus the crowds with our no wait access and visit the spectacular Duomo, an architectural masterpiece
en
Florence audio guide with TravelMate app
Explore Florence at your leisure with this TravelMate app on your mobile device. Don't miss anything and learn interesting facts about the city.
en, it, fr, es, de, +2 ru, zh
Florence self-guided audio tour
Explore Florence at your own pace! Enjoy an app containing over 130 points of interest, famous transport routes, sightseeing itineraries and walking tours.
en, it, fr, es, de, +1 zh
Florence Duomo Cathedral guided tour with skip-the-line ticket from Siena
Explore the city on foot with a knowledgeable guide. Visit its most iconic landmarks, from grand piazzas to famous bridges and cathedrals.
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Florence cathedral complex and Brunelleschi's dome tickets
Visit all the monuments in Florence's Piazza del Duomo with your ticket: the Cathedral, Brunelleschi's Dome, Giotto's Bell Tower and the Baptistery.
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Historic Center Guided Tour with Cathedral and Terrace Access
Discover Florence's rich history with an expert guide. Enjoy priority access to the Duomo and panoramic views from Brunelleschi's Dome.
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Florence Cathedral Guided Tour with Brunelleschi's Dome Access
Take a comprehensive guided tour combining the magnificent Florence Cathedral with access to the Brunelleschi's Dome.
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Florence Historic Highlights Walking Tour
Discover the best of Florence alongside a local guide, learn the stories about the Medici family, marvel at the sight of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.
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World audio guide with TravelMate app
Make the most of your time in 33 cities around the world with this TravelMate app on your smartphone. Listen to detailed audio commentaries in your language.
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Italy audio guide with TravelMate app
Make the most of your time in 14 Italian cities with this TravelMate app on your smartphone. Listen to interesting stories and curiosities narrated in your language.
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Florence Cathedral small-group tour with skip-the-line tickets
Discover the Cathedral of Florence with skip-the-line tickets and a professional, local guide at your disposal. Book now for an exclusive experience for small groups!
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Florence city pass for 5 days with Uffizi, Accademia and Dome
Visit up to 9 museums in Florence saving time and money with your city pass. Discover the city's highlights in 5 days with an audio guide on your smartphone.
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How to get there
Florence Cathedral
Florence
Italy
Reviews Florence Cathedral
“Utilisation facile. Permet en trois jours de visiter, la cathédrale et de monter en haut du dôme, le campanile et monter en haut, la cathédrale et son musée. Pour terminer le billet donne également accès au baptistère.”
“We enjoyed this tour very much. No queues, a small group, and the tour guide was friendly and knowledgeable.”
“Llegar y entrar directos en la catedral. Grupo pequeño, muy buena explicación de la catedral. Lo recomendaría.”
