Florence Cathedral Tickets and Tours

If there is one thing you cannot miss 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 churches in the world. There are different options for visiting Florence Cathedral, so here is a summary of the best ones so you can choose the one that suits your trip and your budget:

The best option

Florence Duomo Guided Tour with Tickets to the Baptistery and the Opera del Duomo Museum

Discover the heart of the Renaissance in Florence

Discover the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with this 1-hour guided tour that includes skip-the-line entry and extended access to key monuments for 3 days.

From RM39 at Hellotickets

With this guided tour of Florence's Duomo, you will delve into the spiritual and artistic heart of the city, exploring one of the most emblematic monuments of the Renaissance. Skip the long queues and enter the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with an expert guide who will reveal the secrets of its architecture and decoration.

For an hour, you will tour the interior of the Duomo while learning about the history of its construction, the masterpieces it houses, and the symbolism behind its frescoes and most notable features. From its origins in the 13th century to the completion of Brunelleschi's impressive dome, every corner will connect you to the artistic grandeur of Florence.

The ticket also allows you to visit the Baptistery, the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo and the ancient Basilica of Santa Reparata over the following three days, offering a complete and flexible experience to discover this monumental complex at your own pace.

Recommended if... you want to explore one of the most representative icons of the Renaissance in depth, with an expert guide, priority entry and extended access to the treasures of the Duomo complex.

The option with views

Florence Duomo Brunelleschi Dome Tickets

Climb to the top of Brunelleschi's dome with reserved entry

Enjoy Florence from above with reserved access to the dome of the Duomo and an audio guide that will reveal all its architectural secrets.

From RM312 at Hellotickets

After exploring the interior of the cathedral, you can go further and climb to the top of the Duomo with this ticket to Brunelleschi's dome with audio guide. A unique experience that allows you to discover the architectural genius of the Renaissance first-hand as you climb the 463 steps to the top.

Skip the queues and gain direct access with your reserved ticket. Throughout the ascent, a downloadable audio guide will accompany you with detailed explanations about the construction of the dome, its frescoes and its impact on art history. From the top, the panoramic views of Florence will take your breath away.

In addition, with your ticket you can visit other monuments in the complex within 24 hours: the Baptistery, the Duomo Museum, Santa Reparata and Giotto's Bell Tower.

Recommended if... you don't want to miss the best view of Florence and you are passionate about architecture from the inside, with an active, immersive and history-filled experience.

Although entry to the main nave of the cathedral is free, most of the areas that travellers want to see within the complex do have an admission fee. Keep this in mind when planning your visit. Below is a summary of which parts of the complex are free and which require a paid ticket:

• Main nave of the cathedral – Free, but you need to book a time slot online (free of charge) and the queue is usually long.
• Brunelleschi's dome – Paid admission; limited capacity and opening hours.
• Giotto's Bell Tower – Fee required; 414 steps and panoramic views.
• Baptistery of San Giovanni – Fee required; includes the famous golden mosaics.
• Crypt of Santa Reparata – Fee required; archaeological remains under the cathedral.
• Museo dell'Opera del Duomo – Admission fee; original sculptures by Michelangelo, Donatello and Ghiberti.

To save time and make the most of your visit, it is best to book one of the passes or tours in advance, such as the guided skip-the-line tour inside the Duomo - from 39 or the reserved ticket to Brunelleschi's Dome - from 312 This way, you avoid long waits, get priority access and, if you choose a guided option, enjoy professional explanations that enrich the experience.

The Duomo complex offers different types of visits to suit all types of travellers: from those looking for a detailed explanation with a guide, to those who want to enjoy the best views or explore every corner of the complex at their own pace. Here are the main options:

• Guided tour inside the Duomo (1 hour) – Skip-the-line entry and expert guide inside the cathedral.
• Ascent to Brunelleschi's dome with audio guide – The option with views: reserved access and step-by-step explanation.
• 2.5-hour guided tour of the Duomo complex – Small group tour with a guide, skip-the-line access to all monuments.
• Guided tour of the Duomo + access to the dome – Combines professional commentary with a subsequent climb on your own.
• Accademia Gallery + Duomo (optional dome) – Art pack: Michelangelo's David and tour of the Duomo in a single tour.

Climbing the 463 steps of Brunelleschi's dome is the most spectacular way to see Florence from above. Access is regulated by time slots and, without a reserved ticket, tickets sell out quickly. To be on the safe side, it is best to opt for a reserved ticket with an audio guide or a guided tour of the Duomo with a subsequent climb to the dome, which already include your time slot and, in the second case, explanations from an expert guide before you begin the ascent.

Quick tips for the climb

• Arrive 15 minutes early; if you miss your time slot, you will not be rescheduled.
• Wearcomfortable shoes: the last sections are narrow and steep.
• There is no lift or toilets along the route.
• Duomodress code: shoulders and knees must be covered.

Although admission to the nave is free, taking a guided tour without queuing or with the Ghiberti Pass (includes Museum and Baptistery) transforms the experience: you'll avoid the queues and discover details that are overlooked at first glance.

Essential sights inside

• Frescoes "The Last Judgement" by Vasari and Zuccari in the dome.
• Liturgical clock by Paolo Uccello (1443), still in working order.
• Renaissance stained glass windows designed by Donatello and Ghiberti.
• Polychrome marble floor with geometric motifs.
• Crypt of Santa Reparata (access with pass): remains of the ancient early Christian basilica and tombs of bishops.
• Museo dell'Opera del Duomo (access with pass): original sculptures from the exterior, including Donatello's choir and Michelangelo's unfinished Pietà.

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

The Duomo is located in the heart of the historic centre, in Piazza del Duomo, so many visitors arrive on foot from their accommodation. If you are coming from further afield, you have the following options:

• ATAF bus: lines C1, C2, C3, 6, 11, 14 and 23 (stops "Puerta Rossa", "Via Panzani" or "Piazza San Marco").
• Tram: lines T1 and T2 to Santa Maria Novella station; from there it is about a 10-minute walk.
• Train: get off at Firenze SMN and walk straight along Via de' Cerretani.

Vicky's Traveller Tip

Please note that you are not allowed to enter Florence Cathedral wearing very short trousers or with bare shoulders.

Explore Piazza del Duomo

The nerve centre of any trip to Florence, Piazza del Duomo is a feast for the eyes, bringing together some of the city's most outstanding historical buildings in one place.

Climb the Dome of Florence Cathedral

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

Its construction was met with scepticism at first and remained a mystery for centuries due to the great weight and size of its structure. If you want to appreciate its height and the breathtaking frescoes that decorate it, such as Vasari's 'The Last Judgement', you will have to climb a steep 463 steps. However, even if only for the panoramic views of the city of Florence from the top, the effort is well worth it.

Discover the Baptistery of St. John the Baptist

The Baptistery of St. John, 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 11th century, which can be seen in the spectacular golden Byzantine mosaics of its dome.

Its façade stands out for its three entrance doors, among which Ghiberti's "Gates of Paradise" stands out. It is composed of 10 bronze panels, replicas of the originals on display in the Duomo Museum, with reliefs depicting scenes from the Old Testament. Inside, you can also see the tomb of John XXIII, designed by Donatello.

Climb Giotto's Bell Tower

Considered the most beautiful bell tower in Italy due to its delicate decorations in colourful marble and the harmony of its proportions, the Campanile of 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 that lead to its 84-metre-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 Duomo Museum is well worth it to see the original sculptures that decorated the Piazza del Duomo, with the reliefs of Ghiberti's "Gates of Paradise" and the authentic statues of the Campanile, as well as objects such as tools and original sketches used in the construction of Florence Cathedral.

If you liked this article on how to visit Florence Cathedral, don't miss my other tips for travelling to Florence in the following guides: Florence Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, Florence Uffizi Gallery Tickets and Tours and Florence Accademia Gallery Tickets and Tours.

If you are interested in exploring the city in depth or even going on an excursion to the surroundings of Florence, here are the guides I have put together on the subject: 10 Best Tours and Day trips from Florence, Day Trips to Cinque Terre from Florence, 4 Best Day Trips to Siena from Florence and 5 Best Day Trips to Pisa from Florence.