Tickets Florence

Duomo Florence dome tickets

4.4(17.5K Ratings)

Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.

Duomo Florence dome tickets






From happy customers

Loved by 35 million+
Chirag Patel
US

Chirag

United States
Jul 2025
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+1 more

Great quick VIP experience. Skipped every ridiculously long line we saw. Meeting point conveniently located close to the Duomo. Highly recommend this booking!
Anne-Marie Deblois
CA

Anne-marie

Canada
Jul 2025
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The guide, Patricia, was extremely kind and had all the answers. You could tell she really loved the city and Florence's history. The pace and quality of the tour won us over.
Heather Heiligenthal
US

Heather

United States
Jun 2025
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+1 more

Guide was really great. I think her name was Regina? She was very knowledgeable and energetic. Climb to duomo was awesome. Such spectacular views. 463 steps to the top. Being water on this trip. Especially if during the summer Thank you!
Carlos Sebastián Rodríguez
ES

Carlos

Spain
Jun 2025
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Leonardo was an incredible guide, he explained everything in great detail, all the information provided will be useful for my art history class.
Paige Schwartz

Paige

Aug 2018
Angelo A was an amazing guide... I was brought to tears when he was talking about the meaning of Michelangelo’s David .Excellent tour!! Thank you!!
Amanda Burt

Amanda

Apr 2018
The best part of this experience was being able to climb to the top of the Duomo. This tour had everything a visitor would love to explore. Thumbs up.
Maxine Ann Holtzman
US

Maxine

United States
Jan 2025
Easy to book. Great detail on meeting space. Somewhat overly detailed during the walk. A bit difficult to understand with language barrier, but a wonderful tour. Maybe some time for quick Q&A during the walk would be nice.
Elizabeth Doll
CA

Elizabeth

Canada
Sep 2024
Claudia was an excellent guide with a very good sense of humour and very knowledgeable. Lots of rests during the tour. I didn't feel overloaded with information

Top things to do in Florence

How to access the world’s largest brick dome, at Florence Cathedral

Step into Florence, and one unmistakable monument that dots its skyline is the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, crowned by a massive red dome! This masterwork of Brunelleschi forms the apex of the Florence Duomo, perched like a tidy cap.

Entrance to Brunelleschi’s dome is from within the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, and you require separate tickets to access it.

Things to know before booking Duomo Florence dome tickets

  • Note that access to the Duomo dome is not always included in Florence Cathedral tickets. To climb the dome, you must purchase a ticket that offers dome access. Entry to the dome is inside the cathedral, on the left side.
  • You must pre-book your tickets as you have to choose a date and time slot. During peak season, these tickets sell out quickly, so book at least 2-3 weeks in advance.
  • As there are 463 steps to climb, ascending the dome is not suited for people in wheelchairs or those who have mobility issues. Additionally, those who are claustrophobic or have heart/lung trouble, pregnant people, etc. are also not advised to climb the dome.
  • The dome’s timings differ from the Cathedral’s timings throughout the week. From Monday to Friday, timings are 8:15am to 6:45pm. On Saturdays, timings are from 8:15am to 4:30pm. The dome is accessible between 12:45pm and 4:30pm Sundays. Last admission is 40 minutes before closing time.

Brunelleschi’s dome in a nutshell

Duomo Florence dome

Must-see highlights:

  • Climb 463 steps to the top, passing through the inner and outer shells of the dome.
  • Get an up-close view of The Last Judgment, a vast fresco cycle by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari, which vividly decorates the interior of the dome.

Current use:

  • Still part of the functioning cathedral, the dome is also a major tourist attraction and offers panoramic views of Florence from its summit.

Unique facts:

  • It is the largest masonry dome in the world and was constructed without the use of traditional wooden scaffolding.
  • Brunelleschi invented custom machinery to hoist materials, which was revolutionary for 15th-century architecture.

Climbing Brunelleschi's dome

Duomo Florence dome

Before the climb

Book your tickets in advance, specifying the date and time for the climb. It is the most coveted Duomo experience, so the tickets sell out real fast. Individuals with medical conditions, mobility issues, or severe claustrophobia may find the climb challenging, so assess your health beforehand. Arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes early.

Duomo Florence dome

The climb itself

After the initial ascent, you will find a 3-foot wide ledge lining the inside of the dome, 130+ feet in the air, offering views of the cathedral and frescoes depicting the Last Judgment. Originally built for maintenance workers to climb up and down for the maintenance of the cathedral, the route takes you can take 30-45 minutes.

Duomo Florence dome

The panoramic view from the deck

Step into a narrow balcony that opens out to Florence’s skyline, and behold the terracotta-colored roofs splayed out beneath you. Spot landmarks like Palazzo Vecchio, the Pitti Palace and the Florence Santa Croce church from up top. You can take pictures but do not use flash or carry any kind of photography equipment.

Architectural highlights of the Duomo Florence dome

Here's a sneak peek into the planning and architecture that went into the crafting of this magnificent dome.

Duomo Florence dome

Engineering

Started in 1420, the construction of the Florence Cathedral Dome was complex procedure because it was built without using a wooden or iron structure to support the masonry. Brunelleschi employed different techniques like building an octagonal double shell made of sandstone and marble.

Duomo Florence dome

Proportions

Brunelleschi decided to use bricks instead of stone because they were lighter and easier to form. The use of golden proportion (the ratio between 2 numbers that roughly equals 1.68) adds balance and harmony to each architectural element, adding to the stability of the dome as it stands tall without any buttresses or supporting structures.

Innovations and contributions

Innovations and contributions

Brunelleschi, a visionary, spearheaded innovations like ox-driven hoist machines for lifting heavy stones during the Dome's construction. He employed a self-reinforcing herringbone pattern while laying the bricks. He even designed an amphibious boat to transport marble pieces across Florence without damage.

Duomo Florence dome

Vasari's fresco

If you thought the dome was spell-binding on the outside, its colorful and intricate interior is a visual treat. While climbing up the dome, marvel at Vasari’s stunning fresco The Last Judgment, which he could not complete before his death in 1574. His work was finished by Federico Zuccaro. The fresco contains scenes including the 24 members of the Apocalypse, angels and choir singers, and a tableau of hell with its sinners.

Unique facts about the Duomo Florence dome

Duomo Florence dome
  • Filippo Brunelleschi (who wasn’t even an architect by trade — he was a goldsmith) won the competition of 1418 that decided who would design and construct the Duomo Florence’s dome. He used bricks, sandstone, and marble to build it, instead of conventional wood or metal.
  • Genius engineering is what makes the dome so steady. Brunelleschi created two domes instead of a single one, one nesting inside the other. This design prevents the dome from bulging outward and creating stress. The external diameter is 54.8m, and the interior diameter is 45.5m.
  • The dome was completed in the year 1436. It became a popular spot for Florence's homosexual men to conduct their trysts and rendezvous in the 15th-century.
  • The Dome marked the beginning of the Renaissance style of architecture — one that beautifully blends the old and the new. While the dome is undoubtedly a nod to the Rome Pantheon dome, it inspired future architectural and building projects like the St. Peter's Basilica in Rome and the United States Capitol, which incorporated the dome into their designs.

Notable figures of the Duomo dome

Duomo Florence dome

Flippo Brunelleschi

A goldsmith-turned-architect, Filippo Brunelleschi is the genius behind the impressive dome. His legend was so great that the cathedral made an exception to place his tomb inside.

Duomo Florence dome

Giorgio Vasari

The artist behind the fresco that’s visible on the inside of the dome, Vasari’s *The Last Judgment *is a vibrant exploration of Christian themes, including the Apocalypse and scenes from hell.

Visitor tips

  • Try to visit before 11am or late in the afternoon as both lighting and temperature would be favorable to the climbers.
  • If you've reserved a time slot, adhere to it, as only a few people can climb at once. Arrive promptly at your chosen time to avoid disruptions.
  • Due to limited ventilation, climbing in the summer can get hot, so plan accordingly. Dress light, but in accordance with the dress code.
  • Use the cloakroom facility of the cathedral to leave behind bulky items before your ascent.

Plan your visit to the Duomo Florence cathedral

Frequently asked questions about Brunelleschi's dome tickets

Why should I visit the Duomo dome on my trip to the Florence Cathedral?

Climbing the Duomo dome is highly recommended as it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and acts as the cherry on top of the Florence Cathedral experience. Besides being able to uphold Vasari’s magnificent fresco up close, you’ll also be presented with a lovely view of Florence’s skyline from the viewing deck.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, or can I purchase them on the day of my visit?

We strongly recommend booking your Duomo dome tickets at least 2-3 weeks in advance, especially during peak season. This is also to ensure you get your preferred time slot.

How much time should I allocate to exploring the Duomo dome at the Florence Cathedral?

Aim to set aside at least 1-1.5 hours for a comfortable climb up the dome and time spent on the viewing deck. If you’re taking a guided tour of the Florence cathedral and the dome, then you can expect to spend about 2-2.5 hours in total.

Does the Florence Cathedral guided tour include the dome tour as well?

Yes, if you book Florence Cathedral Guided Tour with Optional Dome Climb you will be able to access the dome if you opt for it.

Is there an option for a private or exclusive tour of the Duomo dome?

Yes, you can book a VIP tour of the Florence Cathedral that offers dome access through Florence Cathedral VIP Guided Tour with Dome Climb & Secret Terrace Visit. One of the options available to you through this tour is an early-access English guided tour as well as an Italian breakfast of croissants and pastries.

Are there any restrictions on photography or filming inside the Duomo dome?

While you can take photographs, avoid flash photography.

Is the dome accessible to wheelchair users?

Since one has to climb up towards the dome from within the cathedral, the climb is not suited for visitors on wheelchairs or those with mobility issues.

Are children allowed to climb the dome?

Yes, children are allowed to climb the dome as well. To get them excited about the adventure, you can prepare them with the book *Pippo the Fool *by Tracy E. Fern. The book outlines Brunelleschi's achievements in a captivating and kid-friendly manner.

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Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.