Explore the Magnificent Duomo Florence | History, Architecture, Visitor Information
Quick Facts About Duomo Florence
- Official Name: Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower
- Type of Attraction: Cathedral
- Denomination: Roman Catholic
- Location: Situated in the heart of Florence, Italy
- Founded: Construction began in the 5th century and took nearly 140 years to complete
- Architecture Style: The cathedral's design is a mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles.
- Number of Visitors Per Year: Approximately 4.5 million visitors.
Plan Your Visit to Duomo Florence
Address: Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Florence, Italy [Find on Map]
Duomo Florence is located in the city center of Florence, Italy. It is situated in Piazza del Duomo, which is a central square surrounded by other famous landmarks and tourist attractions.
Nearest Landmark: Piazza della Signoria, approximately a 5-minute walk from Duomo Florence.
Directions to the Duomo Florence
The Cathedral is open Monday to Friday, from 10:15 AM to 4:15 PM. It is closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Note: On March 9, the Duomo Florence is only open from 12 PM.
Best Time to Visit Duomo FlorenceWhat To See At Duomo Florence, Rome?
Dome
The Dome of the Duomo Florence is a must-visit attraction if you’re looking for panoramic views of the city. Access to the dome requires a separate ticket and you can will have to climb 463 steps to reach the top.
The views from the top are breathtaking, offering a 360-degree view of Florence and the surrounding countryside.
Climbing the Cupola
Facade
The Facade of the Duomo is a stunning example of Gothic architecture and serves as the front of the cathedral. It features intricate details, including sculptures, reliefs, and ornate decoration.
Visitors can admire the facade from the cathedral square or take a closer look from street level. The facade is considered one of the most beautiful and important architectural elements of the cathedral and is a must-see for any visitor to the Duomo.
Porta della Mandorla
The Porta della Mandorla is a door located on the eastern side of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo) in Florence, Italy. It is known for its bronze relief depicting the "Mandorla," a representation of the Virgin Mary surrounded by angels and is considered one of the most important works of Italian Renaissance sculpture.
The door is a testament to the artistic and cultural significance of the Duomo and is a popular attraction for visitors to the cathedral.
Giotto’s Bell Tower
Giotto's Bell Tower is a free-standing bell tower located next to the Duomo in Florence. It was designed by Giotto di Bondone, a famous Florentine artist, and architect, in the 14th century and stands 84 meters tall.
The tower offers stunning views of the city and is a popular attraction for visitors to Florence. It can be accessed via a staircase with 414 steps.
Explore the Campanile
Florence Baptistery
The Baptistery of St. John is a historic building located in Florence, Italy, across from the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo). It's considered one of the oldest buildings in the city and is renowned for its stunning Byzantine-style mosaics, impressive bronze doors, and octagonal shape.
Baptistery of St. John
The Duomo Terraces
The Duomo Terraces offer panoramic views of Florence and its surroundings from the roof of the cathedral. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views from different angles, including views of the city's red-tiled roofs and landmarks such as the Campanile Bell Tower.
Access to the terraces requires a separate ticket and may be subject to limited availability. The terraces provide an ideal spot to admire the beauty of Florence and capture stunning photos.
Santa Reparata
Santa Reparata is the name given to the early Christian church that once stood on the site where the Duomo of Florence now stands. It was the main church of Florence from the 4th to the 14th century, and portions of its structure and artifacts were incorporated into the construction of the Duomo.
The remains of Santa Reparata can still be seen in the crypt of the Duomo, where some of its early Christian mosaics and architectural elements are preserved.
Crypt of Santa Reparata
Opera del Duomo Museum
The Opera del Duomo Museum showcases the art and history of the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower (Duomo). It houses a collection of sculptures, paintings, and other works of art from the cathedral, including works by artists such as Michelangelo and Donatello. The museum also provides a glimpse into the history and construction of the cathedral, and learn about the artistic and cultural heritage of the Duomo.
Duomo Museum CollectionHistory of the Duomo Florence, Florence
The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower, commonly referred to as the Duomo, is a stunning example of gothic architecture located in the heart of Florence, Italy. Its construction was first commissioned in 1296 by the city’s leaders.
Over the centuries, the Duomo was shaped and reshaped by a succession of architects and designers. From its soaring red-tiled dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi to its intricate façade that took over a century to complete.
Today, the cathedral remains one of the most recognizable and beloved landmarks of Florence, a must-visit attraction for anyone drawn to the city’s rich history and culture.
Detailed History of Florence CathedralWho 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.
Book Duomo Florence Tickets
Astronomical Uses of the Duomo Florence in Florence
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 in Florence
A. 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.
A. Construction of the Duomo started in 1296 and was completed in 1436.
A. The design of the Duomo was primarily carried out by the architect Arnolfo di Cambio.
A. The height of the Duomo is approximately 114 meters.
A. The dome of the Duomo is made of brick and covered in marble.
A. 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.
A. Duomo Florence was built as a cathedral for the Roman Catholic Church.
A. Duomo Florence, or the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, opened its doors in 1436.
A. The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo) in Florence is famous for its stunning Renaissance dome, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi.
A. Inside Duomo Florence you will find the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Baptistery, Bell Tower, Museum, and Terraces.
A. Book your Duomo Florence tickets online for a convenient, hassle-free experience.
A. The Duomo Florence ticket prices start at €14.
A. Duomo Florence is open Monday to Friday, from 10:15 AM to 4:15 PM. It is closed on Sundays, and public holidays.
