Florence Cathedral Tickets and Tours

If there is one thing not to be missed on a trip to Florence, it is a visit to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Known locally as the Duomo, it is one of the largest Christian temples in the world. There are different options to visit the Florence Cathedral, so I will summarize the best ones for you to choose the one that suits your trip and your budget:

The best option

Florence Brunelleschi Dome Climb, Museum and Baptistery Visit

Take a guided tour of the Duomo of Florence and climb the Dome at the best price

The best option para conocer a fondo la Catedral de Florencia, recorrerla por dentro y comprender sus obras de arte y además subir a la Cúpula. Te saltarás las largas filas de acceso con estas entradas.

Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes

From $76 at Hellotickets

When you approach the imposing cathedral and see the queues that form at the door, you will be infinitely glad you took this guided tour in English with entrance to the dome in advance. With this option, you will skip the long lines to climb the dome of the Florence Cathedral and to enter it.

In addition, entrance to the Baptistery and the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo is also included, making it a great option for the most complete visit to all the interesting elements of the square.

What is included in this tour

The Premium option

Florence Duomo Cathedral, Dome, Baptistery and Opera Museum Tour

Take a guided tour of the Duomo, its dome and the monuments of Piazza del Duomo.

Florence's Duomo is spectacular, but so are the Battisterio, the Campanile and Brunelleschi's Dome, as well as the Opera Museum. Visit it all on a guided tour.

Duration: 2 hours

From $158 at Hellotickets

For an even more complete and personalized experience (but at a higher price), you can take a guided tour with skip-the-line access to the Cathedral and its dome, the Baptistery and the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo. In addition, this tour will be conducted in groups of maximum 20 people.

What is included in this tour

The Duomo of Florence is open every day of the week, but with different opening hours:

Located in the historic center of Florence, in Piazza del Duomo, you can reach the Florence Cathedral on foot if your hotel is in the center. Otherwise, you can always reach it by bus (Lines 6, 11, 14, 23, C1 and C2) and streetcar (Alamanni, T1).

Vicky's Traveller Tip

Please note that it is not allowed to enter the Florence Cathedral with shorts or bare shoulders.

Walk around the Piazza del Duomo

The focal point of any trip to Florence, Piazza del Duomo is a feast for the eyes, gathering in one place some of the most outstanding historical buildings of the city.

Climb the Dome of the Florence Cathedral

This marvel of architecture, 114 meters high and 45 meters in diameter, was the greatest work by the great architect Filippo Brunelleschi, who built it for 14 years and almost a century after the completion of the Florence Cathedral.

Its construction was first skepticism and for centuries a mystery for architecture given the great weight and size of its structure. If you want to appreciate its height and the breathtaking frescoes that decorate it, such as 'The Last Judgment' by Vasari, you must overcome a steep climb of 463 steps. However, if only for the panoramic views of the city of Florence that its top offers, the effort is worth it.

Discover the Baptistery of St. John the Baptist

The Baptistery of San Giovanni, in commemoration of the Saint, is the second element that makes up the architectural complex of the Duomo and is located next to it. It is the oldest building in Piazza del Duomo, begun in the eleventh century, which can be seen in the spectacular golden Byzantine mosaics of its dome.

Its facade stands out for its three access doors, among which stands out "The Gate of Paradise" by Ghiberti and composed of 10 bronze panels, a replica of the originals exhibited in the Duomo Museum, with reliefs depicting parts of the Old Testament. Inside you can also see the tomb of John XXIII, whose tomb was designed by Donatello.

Climb the Giotto's Bell Tower

Considered the most beautiful bell tower in Italy for its delicate decorations in colorful marble and the harmony of its proportions, the Campanile of the Florence Cathedral completes the Duomo complex. The bell tower serves as a spectacular viewpoint, with views similar to those offered by the dome of the Duomo, and climbing the 414 steps leading to its 84 meters high terrace.

It was built by the master Giotto and completed after his death by Andrea Pisano, in 1359. To see its original statues visit the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.

Enter the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo

If you have more time, a visit to the Museo del Duomo is worthwhile to see the original sculptures that decorated the Piazza del Duomo, with the reliefs of Ghiberti's "The Gate of Paradise" and the authentic statues of the Campanile, as well as objects, such as original tools and sketches, used for the construction of the Florence Cathedral.

If you liked this article on how to visit the Duomo in Florence, don't miss my other Florence travel tips in the following guides: Florence Hop-On Hop-Off Buses, Florence Uffizi Gallery Tickets and Visits y Florence Accademia Gallery Tickets and Visits.

If you are interested in touring the city in depth or even going on an excursion around Florence, here are the guides I have prepared on the subject: Tours and Daytrips from Florence, Day Trips to Cinque Terre from Florence, Day Trips to Siena from Florence y Day Trips to Pisa from Florence.