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How to visit Duomo Florence

The Duomo Florence, officially known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, is the heart of Florence’s historic center. With its iconic red-tiled dome, intricate marble façade, and vast interior, the Duomo complex includes the cathedral, Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery, and the Opera del Duomo Museum. The site is popular year-round, so planning ahead is key to making the most of your visit.

Navigating your way

The Duomo complex is large, multi-site, and often crowded, but with a clear entry plan and a simple route, it’s easy to navigate confidently.

Enter from the main facade

  • Use the main façade entrance for general visitors.
  • If you’re joining a guided tour or using the Cathedral Pass, you’ll typically enter through the dedicated side door on the left flank, much faster and far less congested. Santa Reparata (the Crypt) is accessed from inside the Cathedral.
Find the correct entrance

Climb Brunelleschi’s Dome

Entry is from the north side, separate from the Cathedral. Timed slots are strict, so arrive 15 minutes early before the 463-step climb.

Start your Dome ascent

Continue to Giotto’s Bell Tower

Access the tower from the south side. The ascent follows a narrow one-way stair, so start early in the day to avoid bottlenecks.

Step inside the tower

Add Baptistery & Opera Museum

For a complete Complex experience, visit the Baptistery opposite the Cathedral’s main façade, and the Museum just a minute’s walk behind the apse, home to original artworks from across the site. Both are compact and easy to navigate.

See the full Piazza guide

How to make the most of your time

Visit typeDurationRouteWhat you get

Snapshot visit

1–2 hrs

Cathedral interior → Baptistery → Piazza views

See the essentials and admire the architecture without climbing.

Classic experience

2–3 hrs

Cathedral → Dome climb (timed) → Bell Tower or Baptistery

A balance of sweeping views of Tuscan countryside with rich mosaics.

Full discovery

4–5 hrs

Cathedral → Dome climb → Bell Tower → Baptistery → Opera del Duomo Museum

A complete Duomo Complex journey, connecting art, architecture, and skyline views into one seamless experience.

Handy tips

  • Book Dome climb in advance: Timed slots for Brunelleschi’s Dome often sell out days ahead, especially in high season.
  • Arrive a little early: The Cathedral opens at 10:15am, so getting there a few minutes before opening helps you get ahead of the tour groups and breeze through once the doors open.
  • Dress code enforced: Shoulders and knees must be covered for entry to the cathedral and Baptistery.
  • Travel light: Large bags and backpacks are not allowed inside; use the cloakroom at the Opera del Duomo Museum if needed.
  • Photography: Allowed without flash in most areas, but not during mass or in the crypt.
  • Combo tickets save time: A Brunelleschi’s Dome pass covers all main sites and is valid for 3 days from first use.
  • Avoid Mondays: The museum is closed, and crowds are heavier at the other sites.

Explore Duomo Florence

Inside the Duomo Florence complex, you’ll encounter architectural marvels, Renaissance masterpieces, and sweeping city views. Each site offers a unique perspective on Florence’s history and artistry.

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

The main church, renowned for its vast nave, frescoed dome, and marble floors.

What to look out for: Vasari’s Last Judgment fresco, stained glass windows

See the heart of Florentine spirituality

Brunelleschi’s Dome

Climb 463 steps to the top for panoramic views of Florence and a close-up look at the dome’s frescoes.

What to look out for: Dome interior frescoes, city skyline

Ascend world's largest masonry dome

Giotto’s Bell Tower

The 414-step climb gives you unique, side-profile views of the Dome’s curves and lantern, along with sharp, geometric sightlines over the Cathedral complex, distinct from the Dome’s top-down city views.

What to look out for: Marble reliefs, city views

Climb up the Gothic tower

Baptistery of San Giovanni

Famous for its golden mosaics and the Gates of Paradise doors by Ghiberti.

What to look out for: Mosaic ceiling, bronze doors

Step into the city’s golden chamber

Opera del Duomo Museum

Home to original sculptures, tools, and models from the Duomo’s construction.

What to look out for: Michelangelo’s Pietà, Ghiberti’s doors

See the Duomo’s original masterpieces

Crypt of Santa Reparata

Beneath the cathedral, explore the remains of Florence’s earlier church and archaeological finds.

What to look out for: Ancient mosaics, tombs

Descend to Florence’s beginnings

Before you get there

👉 Entrances

Pick the right gate for each site, Dome, Bell Tower, Baptistery, and Museum all have separate entries.

👉 Timings

See best hours, closures, and last entry times for each site.

👉 Direction

Find the fastest metro, bus, or walking routes to Piazza del Duomo.

👉 Dress code

Dress right to avoid being turned away, shoulders and knees must be covered.

👉 Rules

Know bag, photo, and conduct rules to skip delays.

👉 Facts

Quirky details and behind-the-scenes info

Know before booking your Florence Duomo tickets

Choosing the right Duomo ticket depends on whether you want just the Cathedral, a Dome climb, full complex access, or guided context across Florence’s most visited monument. Timed entries, climb restrictions, and access tiers differ sharply, so the right choice depends on the depth of experience you want and how you prefer to explore.

  • Standard Cathedral entry (free) (From €5) gives access only to the Cathedral interior. Pre-booking your free entry pass adds a multilingual audio guide and helps you avoid the 30–60 minute onsite queues in peak season, useful if you want a quicker, more meaningful visit without the full complex.
  • Dome access tickets (timed entry required) (From €64) secure your slot for the 463-step climb and include full complex access: Giotto’s Bell Tower, Baptistery, Opera Museum, and Santa Reparata. They’re the most reliable way to experience the Duomo complex, especially since Dome slots sell out days in advance.
  • Guided tours (From €25) provide expert commentary across the Cathedral, Baptistery, Museum, and Crypt. Ideal for a structured storytelling and the complex layout overwhelming.
  • Secret Terraces tours (From €92) unlock the Duomo’s hidden 15th-century passageways, accessible only on guided experiences. You can add a Dome (high-demand option)  or Bell Tower climb (relaxed ascend with multiple resting points) based on your preference.
  • Florence combos (Duomo + Accademia or Duomo + Accademia + Uffizi) (From €113) streamline your day and reduce the number of separate bookings. Best if you’re covering multiple highlights in one trip.

See the comparison table below for inclusions and best-fit options.

Duomo Florence ticket type explained

Ticket typeWhat’s includedBest forPrice range

Free Cathedral Entry

Cathedral interior • Audio guide (with pre-booking)

Budget-friendly visit

€5

Dome Access + Full Complex

Timed Dome climb • Bell Tower • Baptistery • Museum • Crypt • Audio guide

Complete Duomo self-paced experience

€64-€81

Duomo Guided Tour

Guided Cathedral • Baptistery • Museum • Crypt • Optional Dome/Tower

Immersive, cost-effective, expert-led experience

€25

Secret Terraces Tour

Guided Cathedral • Secret Terraces • Baptistery • Museum • Optional Dome/Tower

Unique, limited-access routes

€92

Accademia + Duomo (with Dome)

Guided Accademia • Guided Duomo • Dome climb

Two major sites with expert guide

€139

Dome + Accademia + Uffizi (Audioguide)

Full Duomo complex • Timed Uffizi • Priority Accademia • Audio guides at each site

Flexible 3-site coverage

€113-€143

Duomo Florence timings & best time to visit

AttractionDayTimingsLast entryClosed on

Cathedral

Mon–Sat

10:15am–3:45pm

3:30pm

Sun, religious holidays

Dome (Brunelleschi)

Mon–Sat

8:15am–6:45pm (Mon–Fri)/ 4:30pm (Sat)

6:30pm (varies)

Sun, some holidays

Bell Tower (Giotto)

Daily

8:15am–6:45pm

6:45pm

Some holidays

Baptistery

Daily

8:30am–7:30pm

7pm

Closes by 1:30pm on first Sunday of the month

Museum

Daily

9am–7:45pm

7:15pm

First Tue of month

Santa Reparata

Mon–Sat

10:15am–4pm

10:15am–4pm 4pm

Sunday and religious holidays opens from 1:30pm–4pm

Best time to visit

Weekday vs weekend: Weekdays, especially Tuesday to Thursday, are best for a quieter experience. Arrive before 10am or after 4pm to avoid peak crowds. Saturdays and public holidays are busiest, with long lines for the Dome and Bell Tower.

Peak season vs Low season: April to October is peak season, with high visitor numbers and longer waits. November to March is quieter, except around Christmas and Easter. For the best experience, visit on a weekday morning in spring or autumn.

See detailed schedule before your visit.

Where is Duomo Florence?

Address: Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Find on maps

The Duomo, officially known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, is located in the heart of Florence, Italy.
Closest Landmark: Museum of Opera of Saint Maria of Fiore.

Getting to Duomo Florence

Getting to Duomo Florence by public transportation

By public transport

Tram: Travel on the tram line T2 and alight at Unita station. The Cathedral is about 500 meters away from the station.

Taxi: Private taxi cabs are available throughout the city. The average rental price is around €12 to €14. 

Bus: Bus numbers C2 and C4 will get you to the Florence Cathedral.

By car

Due to the historic value of Florence and its many attractions, the commute of private vehicles is restricted. It is recommended that you travel via public transport. However, if you do decide to drive, here's where you can park:

Entrances

Entrance nameLocationWho is it forCrowds & wait times

Cathedral Main Door

Piazza del Duomo

Walk-in visitors

Shortest early morning; long after 11am

Dome Entrance

North side of cathedral

Dome climb pass holders

Timed entry, arrive 10 min early

Bell Tower Entrance

Adjacent to cathedral

Visitors looking for Bell Tower entry

Moderate, peaks midday

Baptistery Entrance

Opposite cathedral

Visitors looking for Baptistery entry

Usually short, except weekends

Museum Entrance

Via della Canonica

Visitors looking for Museum entry

Short, except on first Tuesday

👉 See all entrances →

Facilities

  • 🎧 Audio guides:  Available for the cathedral, Dome, and museum; rental at the ticket office.
  • 🎒 Cloakroom: Free service at the Opera del Duomo Museum for bags and coats.
  • 🚻 Restrooms: Located at the museum and near the Baptistery.
  • 🛍️ Gift shops: Found at the museum and Dome exit; sell books, souvenirs, and replicas
  • 🍴 Cafés & kiosks: Scattered around Piazza del Duomo; no on-site dining inside the complex.

Accessibility

General facilities

  • Free admission for visitors with disabilities and one companion (with ID).
  • Priority access at entrances; staff assistance available.

Physical disabilities

  • Wheelchair access to the cathedral, museum, and Baptistery.
  • Dome and Bell Tower climbs are not accessible due to stairs.

Visual impairment

  • The Opera del Duomo Museum offers tactile models of major works, including the Dome and façade elements, to support hands-on exploration.
  • Descriptive guided tours (subject to availability) help visitors experience key artworks and architectural features through narration.

Visual impairments

  • Italian Sign Language LIS video guides with subtitles are available via the free MuseoDuomo app, offering storytelling and interactive content across Museum and Duomo complex.
  • Download the app before visiting, keep your device charged, and contact the Opera del Duomo Accessibility Office in advance for assistance or support during visit.

Visiting with family

  • Strollers: Allowed inside the Cathedral and the Opera del Duomo Museum, but must be folded in narrower aisles and cannot be taken up the Dome or Bell Tower due to steep, single-file stairways.
  • Baby facilities: The Museum has dedicated baby-changing rooms on the ground floor; the Cathedral does not, so plan diaper changes before or after your visit.
  • Food breaks: Around Piazza del Duomo you’ll find several family-friendly cafés, quick-bite spots, and gelaterias within a 1–3 minute walk, helpful if you’re navigating between ticketed entries.
  • Age rules: Children under 6 are not permitted on the Dome or Bell Tower climbs, and children under 8 may need an accompanying adult for safety checks at entry.

Rules and restrictions

  • Entry requires a valid pass for Dome, Bell Tower, Baptistery, and Museum.
  • Shoulders and knees must be covered; no hats inside the cathedral.
  • Large bags and backpacks are not allowed; use the cloakroom.
  • Photography is allowed without flash, except during mass or in the crypt.
  • Food and drinks are not permitted inside any of the sites.
  • Smoking is prohibited throughout the complex.
  • Re-entry is not permitted once you exit a site.
  • Animals are not allowed, except certified service animals.

​Skip surprises, review what’s allowed →

Dress code

The Duomo Florence enforces a strict dress code due to its religious significance. Failure to comply may result in denied entry.

For men

T-shirts are allowed, but no sleeveless shirts or shorts above the knee.

For women

No low-cut tops, crop tops, or skirts/shorts above the knee.

For kids

Same rules as adults; shoulders and knees covered.

Accessories

Remove hats inside; sunglasses off indoors.

​Know before you dress →

Where to eat

Caffè Scudieri

(2min) Classic Florentine café with pastries and espresso, right on Piazza del Duomo.

Bottega dei Gracchi

(6min) Sandwiches and light bites, 450m from the cathedral.

Ristorante Buca San Giovanni

(1min) Traditional Tuscan cuisine, located opposite the Baptistery.

Gelateria Edoardo

(3min) Organic gelato, just steps from the cathedral’s main door.

Where to stay

The Duomo sits in Florence’s historic center, a lively and walkable area ideal for first-time visitors. Accommodation options range from luxury hotels to budget hostels, all within a 5–10 minute walk.

Hotel Brunelleschi

4★ luxury with Duomo views (2-min walk)

B&B La Dimora degli Angeli

Boutique guesthouse, central and affordable (3-min walk)

Hotel Spadai

4★, modern amenities, close to all major sights (5-min walk)

Ostello Archi Rossi

Budget hostel, great for backpackers (10-min walk)

Insider tips

  • Dome climb bottleneck: The narrow landing beneath The Last Judgment is where crowds slow down. If you’re claustrophobic, pause before entering this stretch so you’re not stuck mid-way.
  • Bell Tower has better rest points: Unlike the Dome, Giotto’s Tower has several terraces where you can catch your breath. It’s an easier climb if you’re unsure about stamina.
  • Security is stricter than expected: Metal water bottles are often not allowed at the cathedral entrance even when empty; bring a soft or disposable bottle instead.
  • Start with the Opera Museum: Arriving right at 9am lets you enjoy the galleries before groups arrive, and then walk to the Baptistery when the interior is fully lit.
  • Best Dome views aren’t at the very top: The top platform is tight and fenced; the second terrace offers cleaner lines and more space for photos.
  • Stand dead-center in the Baptistery: The mosaics read best from the central point, then step back toward the north door to catch the strongest light angle.
  • Expect a brief Dome queue even with timed entry: Visitors are released in batches, so a short waiting line is normal and usually moves in quick spurts.
  • Late afternoons are surprisingly calm: After 5pm, most large groups leave, making the Bell Tower and museum noticeably quieter.
  • Bag handling slows people down: Backpacks may need to be worn on your front inside the Duomo, so carrying a sling bag or small crossbody can make it much easier to move around.
  • Watch your head on the Dome descent: Some interior stone ribs dip low on the way down, easy to miss if you’re tall or focused on the steps.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Duomo Florence

Absolutely, visiting the Duomo Florence is an experience that shouldn't be missed. The intricate details inside the cathedral alone are awe-inspiring, reflecting the city's rich history and artistic heritage. The entire Duomo complex, with its baptistery, bell tower, and museum, offers a profound journey through Florence's cultural tapestry. Take the time to explore each facet, and you'll find it to be one of the most remarkable and memorable aspects of your visit to Florence. Whether you're a solo traveler or guided by experts, the Duomo complex promises an enriching adventure.

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