Duomo Florence entrances: Where to go and why

A quick guide to Duomo Florence entrances

The right entrance can save you time and confusion. Here’s a quick overview of all Duomo Florence entrances.

• All visitors enter the Duomo Complex via Piazza del Duomo, the open public square where Florence Cathedral stands.
  
• Free Cathedral entry is through the main west-facing façade, the grand central doorway; as no ticket is required, queues here are often long, especially during peak hours.
  
• Wheelchair users and visitors with reduced mobility should use the south-side Cathedral entrance (Porta dei Canonici), which provides step-free access, ramps, and staff assistance.
  
• Pass holders and guided tours enter via the north-side Porta della Mandorla, a dedicated Cathedral entrance with waiting time around 5–15 minutes.
  
• Each monument in the Duomo Complex has its own dedicated entrance, with separate access points for the Dome, Baptistery, Crypt, Opera del Duomo Museum, and Giotto’s Bell Tower.

Entrances to Duomo Florence

The Duomo Florence complex does not have a fixed number of entrances. Instead, visitors access the site through Piazza del Duomo and then enter individual monuments via their own dedicated entry points. The Cathedral itself uses different entrances depending on visitor type; general entry, accessible access, and pass holders/guided tours, while the Baptistery, Bell Tower, Crypt, and Opera del Duomo Museum each operate with separate, controlled entrances.

Dedicated entrances across the Complex

• Brunelleschi’s Dome entrance: Timed-entry access for Dome climbers only.
  
• Giotto’s Bell Tower entrance: Separate timed-entry gate for tower climbs.
  
• Baptistry of St. John entrance: Independent entry facing Piazza del Duomo.
  
• Duomo Museum (Museo dell’Opera del Duomo): Dedicated entrance on the Duomo’s east side.
  
• Santa Reparata Crypt entrance: Accessed from inside the Cathedral.

Accessible entrances at the Duomo Florence

The South-side entrance offers step-free access into the Cathedral for wheelchair users. Most outdoor areas of the complex are navigable, though Dome and Bell Tower climbs are not accessible due to stairs. Staff are present to assist at accessible entry points, and the Duomo Museum is fully wheelchair accessible.