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The main cathedral with its iconic dome designed by Brunelleschi.
- Florence Cathedral
- Brunelleschi's Dome
- Baptistery of St. John
- Giotto's Bell Tower
- Opera del Duomo Museum
- Santa Reparata Florence
- Duomo Rooftop
- Piazza del Duomo
- History
- Architecture
- Inside
- Plan Your Visit
- Skip the Line Tours
- Guided Tours
- Timings
- Directions
- Rules
- Entrances
- Facts
- Dress code
- Mass schedule
Contents
Explore the Magnificent Duomo Florence | History, Architecture, Visitor Information
Explore Florence's iconic Duomo, the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral. Marvel at its stunning marble facade, including Giotto's Bell Tower. Climb the dome for panoramic city views and admire the exquisite frescoes inside. This architectural gem, da...
Also Known As
Duomo Florence
Founded On
1436
Founded By
Filippo Brunelleschi
Quick information
RECOMMENDED DURATION
3 hours
Timings
9:30 AM - 6:30 PM
VISITORS PER YEAR
4500000
TICKETS
From € 15
EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD
0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)
UNESCO YEAR
1982
Fun facts
Test out the acoustic wonder of the Duomo's Whispering Gallery. Stand in one corner and whisper a secret to someone on the opposite side, and hear it perfectly transmitted through the curved space—a fascinating auditory phenomenon.
The cathedral's exterior was not originally pink and white. The Duomo's exterior was originally covered in a smooth, white marble façade, but over time, the marble began to weather and turn pink.
While the construction of Brunelleschi's dome is well-documented, the original model or plans for the dome's construction have never been found. Brunelleschi took this secret to his grave, leaving behind an architectural mystery.
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Discover the Duomo Florence complex
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
What to do at Duomo Florence?
Circle Piazza del Duomo
Take a leisurely walk around Piazza del Duomo, appreciating the cathedral's beauty from various perspectives and indulging in the charming ambiance of nearby cafes.
More about Piazza del Duomo
Explore the Cathedral interior
Venture inside the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, which is free to enter. Appreciate the inlaid marble floor and the impressive dome, although many artworks were relocated after the 1966 flood.
Detailed look inside the Duomo Florence
Admire the Baptistery
Visit the Baptistery of Saint John, an 11th-century gem with a captivating mosaic gold ceiling and renowned golden doors, such as the "Gates of Paradise" by Lorenze Ghiberti.
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Ascend Giotto’s Bell Tower
Climb the impressive Giotto's Bell Tower, built between 1334 and 1359. With 414 steps, it offers stunning views of the Duomo, Piazza del Duomo, and Florence.
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Experience Duomo Terraces
Take a tour to access the exclusive Duomo Terraces, providing unique mid-level views below the cupola. These terraces, not open to independent visits, provide unique views and close-up perspectives of the cathedral's architecture.
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Climb Brunelleschi’s Dome
Start the unforgettable journey up the 463 steps to the top of Brunelleschi’s Dome for an unforgettable panoramic view of Florence. Plan ahead, as tickets often sell out.
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Visit Opera del Duomo Museum
Located behind the cathedral, the Duomo Museum displays original Baptistery doors and provides insights into cupola construction with historical equipment from the 1400s.
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See Porta della Mandorla
The Porta della Mandorla, situated on the eastern side of Florence's Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo), features a renowned bronze relief depicting the "Mandorla," showcasing the Virgin Mary surrounded by angels.
History of the Duomo Florence
- Before 1296: San Reparata church occupies the site.
- 1296 - 1366: Construction of Santa Maria del Fiore begins under Arnolfo di Cambio. Capomaestro roles shift, with Talenti, Giovanni Ghini, and Brunelleschi succeeding. A model competition in 1366 shapes the final design.
- 1366 - 1418: Filippo Brunelleschi addresses the missing dome challenge. In 1418, his self-supporting dome design wins a competition, leading to its completion by 1436.
- 1420 Onward: Brunelleschi's innovative double-shell dome design defies challenges.
- 1359 Onward: The Campanile (bell tower), completed in 1359, stands adjacent to the cathedral.
- Before 1059 - 15th Century: The Baptistry, symbolizing faith, undergoes reconstruction in 1059.
- Post-Construction: Despite being an engineering marvel, the Florence Cathedral faces criticism for its underwhelming interior, emphasizing exterior aesthetics.
Who built the Duomo Florence?
The Duomo Florence was built by several prominent architects and artists including Arnolfo di Cambio, Filippo Brunelleschi, Giotto, Andrea Pisano, Neri di Fioravanti, Giovanni di Lapo Ghini, and Francesco Talenti.
Brunelleschi designed the renowned red-tiled dome, while Giotto and Pisano contributed to the bell tower design. The ornate façade was a collaborative effort and took over a century to complete. The cathedral blends Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles and ideas, making it a unique fusion of different architectural eras.
Duomo Florence's role in astronomy
The Florence Cathedral has played a significant role in the field of astronomy. The cathedral's dome was used as a solar observatory in the 16th century by the famous astronomer and mathematician Galileo Galilei. He used the cathedral's lantern to observe sunspots and made some of his most important discoveries about the solar system from there.
The cathedral's location and design, with its large dome and openings for light, made it an ideal observatory for observing the sun and the stars. Its role in the history of astronomy highlights its significance not only as a religious and architectural landmark but also as a scientific one.
Frequently asked questions about Duomo Florence
What is the Duomo of Florence?
The Duomo Florence is one of the largest churches in Italy, located in the heart of Florence. A magnificent example of Italian Renaissance architecture and design, the cathedral is known for its iconic dome.
When was the Duomo built?
Construction of the Duomo started in 1296 and was completed in 1436.
Who designed the Duomo?
The design of the Duomo was primarily carried out by the architect Arnolfo di Cambio.
What is the height of the Duomo?
The height of the Duomo is approximately 114 meters.
What is the dome of the Duomo made of?
The dome of the Duomo is made of brick and covered in marble.
What are the famous works of art in the Duomo?
The Duomo is home to many famous works of art, including frescoes by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari, the bronze "Gates of Paradise" by Lorenzo Ghiberti, and the fresco on the dome by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari.
Why was the Duomo Florence built and for what purpose?
Duomo Florence was built as a cathedral for the Roman Catholic Church.
When did Duomo Florence open?
Duomo Florence, or the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, opened its doors in 1436.
What is Duomo Florence famous for?
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo) in Florence is famous for its stunning Renaissance dome, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi.
What’s inside Duomo Florence?
Inside Duomo Florence you will find the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Baptistery, Bell Tower, Museum, and Terraces.
How do I book tickets to visit Duomo Florence?
Book your Duomo Florence tickets online for a convenient, hassle-free experience.
How much does it cost to visit Duomo Florence?
The Duomo Florence ticket prices start at €14.
What are the Duomo Florence opening hours?
Duomo Florence is open Monday to Friday, from 10:15 AM to 4:15 PM. It is closed on Sundays, and public holidays.
