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Duomo Florence entrances | Detailed guide on how to enter the cathedral

Where is Duomo Florence located?

Address: Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

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Duomo Florence is located in the heart of the city at Piazza del Duomo or the Duomo Square. It is easily accessible and is close to many other landmarks in Florence. 

How to access Duomo Florence entrances?

By bus: Bus lines C1, C2, C3, 6A, 6B, 11, 14, 23, and 23N can take you to Florence Cathedral. Closest stops include Santa Maria Maggiore, Proconsolo, Vecchietti, and Pucci Duomo.

By tram: Take tram lines T1 or T2, with the closest stop being Santa Maria Novella, which is a 17-minute walk from the Florence Duomo.

How do I enter the Duomo Florence?

The main entrance to the Duomo Florence is located between the Bell Tower and the main door of the Cathedral. If you have your tickets, you can join this line and head inside, if not, you can purchase your tickets at the ticket office nearby. 

There are several ticket offices located near the different attractions, like the Bell Tower, Dome, Baptistery, and Duomo Museum. Keep in mind that the entrances to these various attractions are located at the respective buildings.

Florence Cathedral entrance location | How to get there?

The main entrance to the Cathedral can be found next to the main door, right beside the Bell Tower. The entrances to the other attractions are located at the respective buildings.

Duomo Florence Entrances How to Reach?

1. Main Facade Entrance (West Facade)

Where is it?: Facing the west, the main facade entrance is the primary entrance for visitors.

The grand main entrance is adorned with intricate sculptures and detailed artwork, giving you an interesting teaser of Florence's Cathedral architectural beauty. The entry to cathedral is free for visitors.

How to reach: Located at the front of the cathedral, accessible from the square.
Timings: Monday to Saturday, 10:15 AM to 3:45 PM, with the last admission at 3:30 PM. Closed on Sundays.
Average wait time: Upto 1 hour in busy times, 20-30 minutes in low season.
Facilities: Ticketing services, information desk, and audio guides.
Accessibility: Yes

Duomo Florence Entrance Timings

2. North Entrance (Porta della Mandorla)

Where is it?: Situated on the north side of the cathedral.

The North Entrance, named Porta della Mandorla, features an almond-shaped relief depicting the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, creating a unique and artistic entry point.

How to reach?: Go to the north side of the cathedral it is facing the Piazza San Giovanni.
Timings: Monday to Saturday, 10:15 AM to 3:45 PM, with the last admission at 3:30 PM. Closed on Sundays.
Average wait time: 30 minutes in busy times and 5-10 minutes otherwise.
Facilities: Limited facilities, mainly entrance access.
Accessibility: Yes

duomo florence entrances Average wait time

3. South Entrance (Porta dei Canonici)

Where is it?: Positioned on the south side of the cathedral.

The South Entrance, known as Porta dei Canonici, may have its own distinct architectural features, providing an alternative perspective to the cathedral's magnificence. It is less commonly used by visitors.

How to reach: Accessible from the southern side of the cathedral, it is facing the Baptistery of San Giovanni.
Timings: Monday to Saturday, 10:15 AM to 3:45 PM, with the last admission at 3:30 PM. Closed on Sundays.
Average wait time: 15-20 minutes
Facilities: Limited facilities, primarily for entrance access.
Accessibility: Yes

Disabled access

Duomo Florence offers disability facilities including ramps and lifts at various entrances across the monumental complex, ensuring accessibility for wheelchair users. Wheelchairs are available at both the Cathedral and Museum entrances, with attentive security staff ready to assist visitors with disabilities. However, mind that climbing the Dome will be difficult for guests with motor disabilities. There are 463 steps to get to the top. We recommend visiting all the other attractions instead. This climb is also not suitable for guests with heart conditions, vertigo, or claustrophobia.

Service animals, such as guide dogs, are permitted with appropriate certification, fostering an inclusive environment for all visitors. The Accessibility Office of the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore is dedicated to facilitating access and enhancing the experience for individuals with disabilities throughout the complex.




Duomo Florence entry tickets

Florence Cathedral Guided Tour with Optional Dome & Bell Tower Climb
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1 hr. - 1 hr. 35 min.
Guided tour
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€49.99
Florence Cathedral Tickets with Optional Dome & Bell Tower Climb
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Flexible duration
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Florence Cathedral Tickets with Audio Guide & Optional Dome Climb
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Flexible duration
Audio guide
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Florence Cathedral VIP Guided Tour with Secret Terraces & Optional Dome Climb
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1 hr. 30 min. - 2 hr. 30 min.
Guided tour
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Florence Cathedral Tickets with Host
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30 min. - 1 hr.
Audio guide
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€24.80

Frequently asked questions about the Duomo Florence entrances

How many entrances does the Duomo Florence have?

There are three entrances at Duomo Florence:
- Main Facade Entrance (West Facade): The grand main entrance adorned with intricate sculptures, offering free access to the cathedral.
- North Entrance (Porta della Mandorla): Located on the north side, features an almond-shaped relief depicting the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
- South Entrance (Porta dei Canonici): Positioned on the south side, it provides an alternative perspective to the cathedral's magnificence.

Is there a separate entrance for skip-the-line and pre-booked ticket holders?

The separate queue for skip-the-line and pre-booked ticket holders is at the Duomo Florence is usually the main facade entrance (West Facade).

Which entrance should I use if I don't have a pre-booked ticket?

If you don't have a pre-booked Duomo ticket, you should use the main facade entrance (West Facade) at the Duomo Florence.

Where are the Duomo Florence entrances located?

The Duomo Florence entrances are located on the main facade (West Facade), North Entrance (Porta della Mandorla), and South Entrance (Porta dei Canonici).

Which Duomo Florence entrance usually has the shortest wait time?

The South Entrance (Porta dei Canonici) of the Duomo Florence usually has a shorter average wait time compared to the main facade and North Entrance.

What is the average wait time at the main Duomo Florence entrance?

The wait times at the main entrance of Duomo Florence vary, typically ranging from 20 to 30 minutes in less crowded periods to an hour or more during peak times. Consider visiting during off-peak hours or using skip-the-line options for a smoother experience. Facilities like ticketing services are available at this entrance.

Which Duomo Florence entrance is used for guided tours?

For Duomo Florence guided tours, guests will take a different route to explore the Cathedral. Once you meet your tour guide, they will direct you to your entrance.

Which Duomo Florence entrance should if I'm in a group?

If you are part of a group, you must use the same entrance as the others. The entrance to the Cathedral can be found next to the Bell Tower.

How can I avoid waiting in line at the Duomo Florence entrance for a long time?

To avoid waiting in line for a long time, book your tickets online and in advance. This saves you the hassle of buying them on-site at the ticket office. Additionally, you can visit the attraction on a weekday in the morning hours to avoid crowds.

What are the Duomo Florence timings?

The opening hours of the Cathedral are from 10:15 AM to 4:45 PM, 8:15 AM to 7:45 PM for Giotto’s Bell Tower, and 9 AM to 7:45 PM for the Duomo Museum. The Dome is accessible from Monday to Friday between 8:15 AM and 7:30 PM and on Saturday between 8:15 AM to 4:30 PM. The attraction is closed on public holidays and Sundays.

What time should I visit Duomo Florence to avoid waiting in line?

Visit Duomo Florence on a weekday in the morning to avoid long lines. Keep in mind that the Dome opens at 8:15 AM so you can head up to get a beautiful morning view of the city.

What are the busiest entry points, and are there less crowded alternatives?

The main entrance (west facade) of Duomo Florence tends to be the busiest, with wait times varying. The north entrance (Porta della Mandorla) usually has shorter waits, while the south entrance (Porta dei Canonici) is less crowded. Choosing less busy entrances can enhance your experience.