Cattedrale di santa maria del fiore, famously known as The Duomo, dominates the beautiful cityscape of Florence. The gothic structure that was built over a period of two centuries and underwent modifications even in the 1880’s, stands at the site where the 7th Century Church Santa Reparata once stood. Arnolfo di Cambio designed the Cathedral in 1294 and the structure was declared complete in the year 1418. The stark interior of the Florence Cathedral is in complete contrast to the colourful intricacy of its façade which was completed much later in the year 1887.
Though the main structure was built in the 13th Century, the Dome that has become an identity of the monument, was not built until the 15th Century. An early example of the Renaissance era, the massive red dome was a feat that Fillipo Brunelleschi designed and successfully built between 1418 and 1434. The inner shell of the octagonal dome is set in a herringbone pattern that eliminated the need of a scaffolding for support. The ingenious design of the double shell dome is among the finest examples of architectural excellence.
Duomo Florence Cathedral in a Nutshell
The Cathedral of Florence or Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore is among the largest masonry structures ever built in the world. Designed originally by Arnolfo di Cambio, the base of the monument is large enough to cover half a football field. The red dome that gives the Cathedral its more common name, The Duomo, was designed by early Renaissance architect Fillipo Brunelleschi. It was also the world’s largest dome when construction for this Pantheon inspired component of the Cathedral finished in the year 1436. This Cathedral was built on the site where Saint Reparata once stood, signifying the growing importance of Florence and its emergence as a centre of art, culture, and prosperity.
Guided Cathedral Tour with Duomo Restoration Workshop ✪
Price -
Quick Jumplinks to Navigate the Guide
- Duomo Florence Cathedral - History & Architecture
- Duomo Florence Cathedral Tickets
- How to Skip The Long queues at Duomo Florence Cathedral
- Duomo Florence Cathedral Inside - What to see?
- Things to do around Piazza del Duomo, Florence
- Duomo Florence Cathedral Practical Information
- Insider Tips on Visiting Duomo Florence Cathedral
Duomo Florence Cathedral - History & Architecture
The Florence Cathedral that we see today is a culmination of artistic imaginations of many great artists and architects. Arnolfo di Cambio submitted the design for the Cathedral in the year 1296, and its construction began under the supervision of Francesco Talenti. The Church was consecrated by Pope Eugene IV in 1436 after the completion of the Dome, designed by Fillipo Brunelleschi. The fresco on the inside of the dome depicts the last Judgement and was painted in colourful strokes by Giorgio Vasari and Frederico Zuccari between 1572 and 1579.
The beautiful designs in white, pink, and green marble that form the façade of the Cathedral was added between 1871 and 1887. It complements the bell tower which was designed by Giotto di Bondone in 1334 but it was completed first by Andrea Pisano, who also designed the relief decorations on the tower. Later, Francesco Talenti oversaw its construction and was finally completed in 1359.
Duomo Florence Cathedral Tickets
Exclusive Tour of Florence's Duomo and Secret Terraces
- Guided tour of the Florence Cathedral
- Guided tour of the crypts
- Small group size to ensure a more immersive and engrossing experience
- 48 hours ticket to the Duomo Complex allowing access to Santa Maria Del Fiore, Crypt of Santa Reparata, Museo Dell’Opera Del Duomo, Giotto’s Tower and Brunelleschi’s Dome
Guided Cathedral Tour with Duomo Restoration Workshop
- Duomo Complex Ticket valid for 48 hours
- Explore the Duomo Complex with a professional guide providing commentary through the duration of the tour
- Skip The Line Tour of the Baptistery
- Skip The Line Tour of the Cathedral
- Explore the Restoration Workshop and learn all about the intricate processes of artwork restoration
Guided Tour of Duomo Complex
How to Skip The Long queues at Duomo Florence Cathedral
1. Purchase Skip the Line tickets online
The Duomo is the most famous tourist spot in the whole of Florence, and you are bound to encounter crowds of people exploring the Cathedral. You can opt for Skip the Line Tickets to avoid the long entry queues and head straight inside to admire the magnificent Cathedral, the bell tower, and the dome.
2. Take a guided tour
A guided tour ensures that you not only get skip the line entry into the Cathedral, but also an insight into the history of the Cathedral and its significance to Florence. Your expert guide comes with the knowledge of many phases of construction that the Florence Cathedral has witnessed so far. If you are looking for a holistic experience of exploring Cattedrale di santa maria del fiore, consider booking a guided tour.
Duomo Florence Cathedral Inside - What to see?
- The first aspect you will notice is the large octagonal red dome of the Florence Cathedral
- The delicate white, pink, and green marble carvings that form the Façade of the Church is an example of fine craftsmanship
- The depiction of the Last Judgement on the interior of the dome
- Double- shells of the dome
- The lantern hanging from the dome
- Clock on the inside of the Church, right above the entrance
- The crypt where Brunelleschi was buried upon his death in 1446
- 463 stairs of Florence’s Duomo for stellar panoramic views
Things to do around Piazza del Duomo, Florence
Florence Baptistery: The Octagonal Florence Baptistery AKA the Baptistery of Saint John, is one of the oldest buildings in the city, constructed between 1059 and 1128 in the Florentine Romanesque style. The Baptistry is renowned for the 3 large bronze doors decored with relief sculptures. The Italian poet Dante and many other notable Renaissance figures were baptized in this baptistry.
Giotto's Campanile: The quiet climb that leads to the top of the Giotto's Campanile is a unique way of witnessing the Cathedral’s beauty from different heights and angles. Once you reach atop, you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of Florence and see the Florence Cathedral architecture from up close. This is a great spot for capturing some memorable photos of the panoramic views, the dome and the façade of the Church.
Orsanmichele : Originally built to be a grain market, Orsanmichele became a Church for crafters and traders’ guild near the end of 14th Century. The ducts in the ceiling that were used to pour grain inside are still there for the visitors to see. The building is also accentuated with stained glass windows and a white alter that are worth seeing. The Church is free to visit and is located between the Duomo and Piazza Della Signoria.
Porcellino: When you walk towards Piazza Della Signoria from Orsanmichele, you will pass through a market full of souvenirs and memorabilia. On one side of this market, there is a bronze boar which is called ‘Porcellino’ or the piglet by the Italians. According to the tradition, visitors put a coin in the boar’s mouth and if it spills out, they will have good luck, and if they rub its snout, they will return to Florence
Uffizi Florence : While you are in Florence, consider visiting the Uffizi Florence which is known to be the most famous museum in Florence. The beautiful building is home to an exclusive collection of art works by famous Italian artists like Giotto and Michelangelo. The museum also houses a good collection of Botticelli’s work, including his 1486 work, The Birth of Venus.
Duomo Florence Cathedral Practical Information
Duomo Florence Opening Hours
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 10 :00 AM – 3:30 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:45 PM
- Sunday and public holidays: 1:30 PM – 4:45 PM
Getting to Duomo Florence
Address
Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
By Train
The closest station to Duomo Florence is the Santa Maria Novella (SMN) train station. From here, the Gallery is a 10 minute walk.
By Car
The closest car park is near the Santa Maria Novella (SMN) train station. You can park your car here and make a quick walk to Duomo Florence
By Bus
You can take any bus that has a stop at the anta Maria Novella (SMN) train station. From here, you can walk over to Duomo Florence
Insider Tips on Visiting Duomo Florence Cathedral
- The Duomo being a house of worship, you are required to wear respectful clothing.
- For the vantage view point, climb up the cupola [463 steps]. Steel yourself because it is worth it, the ceiling, the vistas of the city and everything else in between.
- The climb to the Dome is not suitable for small children due to the narrow and steep nature of the stairs.
- Each part of the Duomo has different operating hours and these may change on different days of the year, so check the official website before your visit.
- Entry to the Florence Cathedral is free, however, there is a small fee to see the crypt, the bell tower and the dome itself. In order to indulge in a quick tour of these 3 parts, buying tickets online is recommended to avoid queues.
- A visit to the Duomo Museum is recommended to appreciate the origins and development of the Duomo. Don't miss the "Doors of Paradise" housed here.
- Entry to the Duomo is complimentary with the Firenze Card.
- For a relaxed and sedate experience of the Duomo, keep aside 2 hours ( including the climb up and down the cupola)
- The Duomo Museum remains closed on the first Tuesday of each month.
- The Duomo Florence has free wifi within its complex.
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