What to Do in Florence Italy: Duomo Complex
- 1 day ago
- 7 min read
This post may contain affiliate links. To learn more about our affiliate links and cookies policy see our Terms & Conditions page. Thank you.
The Duomo di Firenze, or Florence Duomo, is the heart of the city’s old quarter. It’s striking green and white exterior, massive dome, and soaring bell tower are enduring symbols of the city’s remarkable Renaissance history. Our article on what to do in Florence Italy includes tips for a great day at the Duomo complex.
On our first trip to Florence, visiting the Duomo complex was at the top of Randy and my list of activities. We were particularly eager to see Brunelleschi’s Dome. When built, the structure was the largest stone dome in the world (and, it and remains so today). We were also eager to see Giotto’s Bell Tower and the Baptistry of St John.
In this article we have included information about what to see at the Duomo complex as well as our tips for how to pick the right Duomo tour for you. In addition, the article is packed with information about tickets, what to wear, security, accessibility, and when to go.
THINGS TO DO IN FLORENCE ITALY
WHERE IS THE FLORENCE DUOMO COMPLEX
In Florence Italy, the Duomo is located at Piazza del Duomo (Duomo Square). The Duomo complex consists of the Florence Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral – topped by Brunelleschi’s Dome), the Campanile of Giotto (Giotto’s Bell Tower), the Baptistry of St. John, and the Duomo Museum.
The Duomo complex is a central city landmark. The immense marble structure can be seen from many points throughout the city. The cathedral is a short walk from nearly anywhere else in the Florence Italy historic district.
HISTORY OF THE FLORENCE DUOMO
The word duomo is derived by the Latin word for “house.” A “domus dei” is house of God.
Construction of the Florence Duomo began in 1296 and lasted more than two centuries. When completed, the cathedral was one of the largest Christian churches in the world. Its innovative dome and dramatic bell tower forever altered the silhouette of the city’s skyline.
The complex was influenced by both Gothic and Roman styles. Commissioned by the powerful Medici family; the best builders and artists of the day worked on the project. This included the pioneering architect Filippo Bruneschelli.
As a side note, Brueneschelli is buried in the cathedral. This was regarded as a great honor for someone who practiced what was considered to be a humble profession at the time.
The Medici family commissioned the Florence Duomo to convey to the world the city’s political, economic, and artistic power. Through the centuries, the complex has endured as a symbol of the great advances in art and architecture made during the Renaissance period. Today, the Florence Cathedral serves as the episcopal seat of the archdiocese of Florence.
FLORENCE HISTORIC DISTRICT HOTELS
Hotel Firenze Pitti Palace al Ponte Vecchio: Clean, affordable. Good location. Roof terrace and restaurant.
Hotel Pendini: Modern hotel in the romantic heart of Florence.
Hotel Calimala: Two restaurants and rooftop bar in historic neighborhood.
Hotel Balestri: On the Arno River. Close to Ponte Vecchio and shopping.
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE STATUS
As a part of the city of Florence Italy, the Florence Duomo has achieved UNESCO world heritage status for its outstanding universal value. A shining symbol of the Italian Renaissance, the historic district encompasses over 600 years of extraordinary artistic achievement.
FLORENCE DUOMO TOUR
Visitors to the Duomo complex can book tours directly through the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore website, or through a private tour company. By booking a guided tour, visitors often gain access to parts of the complex not open to the general public. Many tours also offer skip-the-line access; saving time and the hassle of long queues.
The Duomo complex offers a variety of guided tours such as excursions to Brunelleschi’s Dome, its frescoes, the Baptistry, and the museum.
Randy and I chose to do a private guided tour on our first visit. We booked an early morning Duomo dome climb which included the terraces (not open to the general public). On the day of our tour, the dome closed due to falling tiles. Our guide, with good museum contacts, quickly changed course and piloted us to the Bell Tower where we skipped the line.
Even though we were disappointed not to climb the dome, our guide saved us the aggravation of fumbling about trying to assess the situation, change tickets, and queue in long lines. When booking a tour, chose a reputable company (like GetYourGuide or Viator).
For the Duomo, we also recommend “skip-the-line” tickets. Also, keep in mind, combination tours can be a good time saver. We chose a tour that hit the Galleria of Accademia and the Duomo, and were happy with our choice.
Try one of these well-reviewed Florence Duomo tours:
WHAT TO DO IN FLORENCE ITALY AT THE DUOMO
Florence Cathedral
The Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral (Our Lady of the Flower) is one of the largest cathedrals in the world. The exterior of the cathedral is elegantly tiled in white, green, and red Tuscan marble. The intricate geometric figures, flowers, and windows on the external walls are a marvel.
The interior of the church consists of a three-nave basilica with immense pillars. Compared to the cathedral’s splendid exterior, the inside of the church is quite plain (much of its treasure can be found in the Duomo Museum), with the exception of Brunelleschi’s Dome.
Brunelleschi’s Dome
A masterpiece of art and architecture, Brunelleschi’s Dome was completed between 1420 and 1436. The groundbreaking design consists of two “shells” and eight “sails” which support the interior 45.5 meter dome.
The octagonal stone and brick structure is the biggest masonry vault in the world. The structure is decorated with an enormous mural of the Last Judgement. Visitors can climb the vault’s 463 steps for up-close views.
The Baptistery of St. John
The octagonal Baptistery served as a center for the sacrament of baptism for many centuries. The interior of the Baptistry is covered with a huge mosaic (being restored when we visited). The building’s exterior is covered in green and white marble. It boasts three sets of bronze doors, including Ghiberti’s famous Gates of Paradise doors.
FLORENCE ITALY TOURS
Giotto’s Bell Tower
The cathedral’s bell tower, named after its builder, Giotto, is considered a master-work of Italian Gothic architecture. The square tower reaches 278 feet (85 meters) into the air. The marble tower has 7 bells; 5 of which are still in use.
The highlight of our Florence Duomo tour was climbing the 414 steps of the bell tower to the summit. The climb was fun as there were three levels to rest upon and admire the views along the climb. The fourth level (top) offered outstanding city and Brunelleschi Dome views.
Duomo Terraces
The Duomo terraces are two 70-meter long balconies (north and south) at the base of Brunelleschi’s Dome. The balconies offer great views of the Dome (and the rest of the complex). The terraces are only available to walk by booking a special guided tour.
Opera del Duomo Museum
The Opera del Duomo Museum at the Duomo complex houses over 6000 square feet of art. The museum has on display much of the artwork (paintings, sculpture, religious iconography) once displayed in the cathedral and baptistry. On display are masterpieces by Michelangelo, Donatello, Brunelleschi, Ghiberti, and others.
DAY TOURS FROM FLORENCE ITALY
USEFUL INFORMATION
Hours
The Duomo complex is open every day except Christmas and New Years. It is generally open between 10am and 4:30pm (later opening on Sunday). Check website for exact hours.
Tickets
Admission to the main floor of Florence Cathedral is free (may have to queue in line). Attendance at religious service is welcomed. Fee-based tickets are required to climb the dome and the bell tower; and for entrance to the baptistery and museum. Pre-purchasing tickets is highly recommended.
What to Wear
Appropriate clothing for the Duomo complex should be conservative in style. Bare legs, bare shoulders, and sandals are not permitted for men or women. Men should remove hats in the worship spaces.
Security
Only small backpacks and bags are allowed (check the Duomo website for exact dimensions). Expect to go through a security check (and queue in line to do so).
Language
Italian is the native language. English is widely spoken.
Best Time to Go
We recommend visiting the Duomo complex at opening time (or in the winter off-season). In addition, we suggest purchasing skip-the-line tickets at this very popular site.
TRUSTED TRAVEL RESOURCES
FLORENCE DUOMO COMPLEX ACCESSIBILITY
Florence Cathedral: The cathedral is accessible for people with impaired mobility. There is a special entrance for the mobility impaired (Porta dei Canonici) on the right side of the cathedral.
Dome: 463 steps with no lift. No accessibility for people with motor disabilities. Not recommended for people with a heart condition, dizziness, or claustrophobia.
Baptistry: The Baptistry is accessible for people with impaired mobility.
Bell Tower: 414 steps with no lift. No accessibility for people with motor disabilities. Not recommended for people with a heart condition, dizziness, or claustrophobia.
Duomo Museum: The museum is accessible for people with impaired mobility.
Have fun climbing the Duomo dome and the bell tower, Laura and Randy
For more information on what to do in Florence Italy, read our articles on:
IF YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE, PIN IT!
Comments