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Take a tour of the Cathedral Square with the chance to climb the iconic Giotto's Bell Tower and Brunelleschi's Dome.
Take a tour of the Cathedral Square with the chance to climb the iconic Giotto's Bell Tower and Brunelleschi's Dome.
Inclusions
Exclusions
Tailor your Florence Cathedral Square visit with multiple fast-track ticket options!
Tailor your Florence Cathedral Square visit with multiple fast-track ticket options!
Inclusions
Exclusions
Looking for VIP treatment? Here's an exclusive, customizable tour with Florence Cathedral's secret terraces!
Looking for VIP treatment? Here's an exclusive, customizable tour with Florence Cathedral's secret terraces!
Inclusions
Here's a win-win for you – seamless hosted entry and an immersive self-led exploration of the Florence Cathedral complex.
Here's a win-win for you – seamless hosted entry and an immersive self-led exploration of the Florence Cathedral complex.
Inclusions
Exclusions
Short but sweet! A perfect way to efficiently cover the highlights of Florence Cathedral in under one hour.
Short but sweet! A perfect way to efficiently cover the highlights of Florence Cathedral in under one hour.
Inclusions
Exclusions
Stand out from the crowd and unravel the secrets of Florence’s historic center with an expert guide.
Stand out from the crowd and unravel the secrets of Florence’s historic center with an expert guide.
Inclusions
Exclusions
9% off
Inclusions
Florence Cathedral
Pitti Palace, Palatine Gallery & Boboli Gardens
Florence Cathedral
Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens
Highlights: The dome actually comprises two nesting domes with bricks arranged in a herringbone pattern. Bricks were used in favor of stone since they are lighter. The inside of the dome is decorated with Giorgio Vasari’s iconic fresco ‘The Last Judgment’.
Dimensions: External diameter is 54.8 m; interior diameter is 45.5 m.
Materials used: Brick, sandstone, marble.
Year of completion: 1436
Current use: The purpose of the dome, besides being an architectural marvel (on both the inside and the outside), is also to afford those who climb it the precious and breathtaking view of the Florence skyline.
Standard entry
Guided tours
VIP tours
Is dome access included?
Some tickets offer access
Yes
Yes
Why go for it?
This experience gives you the option to climb the dome if you wish to go all the way to the top — and is a budget option if you’re on a self-guided visit.
Benefit from learning the architectural mysteries and lesser-known facts about the Cathedral and its structures, including the show-stopping dome.
Embark on an exclusive tour with a guide who will take you through the Cathedral, the Dome, and even grant you access to the coveted Secret Terraces.
Starting price
• €15
€59
€60
Recommended tickets
Florence Cathedral Tickets with Optional Dome & Bell Tower Climb
Florence Cathedral Guided Tour with Optional Dome Climb
Florence Cathedral VIP Guided Tour with Dome Climb & Secret Terrace Visit
Here's a sneak peek into the planning and architecture that went into the crafting of this magnificent dome.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
While you can take photographs, avoid flash photography.
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.
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.