About the Duomo
Florence Cathedral (Duomo di Firenze) is topped by Brunelleschi's revolutionary dome - the largest brick dome ever constructed. Built 1420-1436 without scaffolding using ingenious techniques, it remains an engineering wonder. The cathedral complex includes Giotto's Bell Tower and the Baptistery with Ghiberti's golden "Gates of Paradise."
⏰ Hours
- Cathedral: Mon-Fri 10 AM - 5 PM (free)
- Dome climb: Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 7 PM, Sat 8:30 AM - 5 PM
- Book ahead: Dome tickets sell out weeks in advance
💰 Costs
- Duomo Pass: €18 (cathedral, dome, baptistery, bell tower, museum)
- Dome only: €18 (most popular)
- Guided tour: €40-60 including skip access
✨ Highlights
- 🏛️ Dome climb: 463 steps to breathtaking views
- 🎨 Vasari frescoes: Last Judgment inside dome
- 🚪 Gates of Paradise: Ghiberti's bronze Baptistery doors
- 🎨 Duomo Museum: Original artwork including Michelangelo's Pietà
📝 Tips
- Book 2-4 weeks ahead on duomo.firenze.it
- Climb early: Morning is cooler, less crowded
- Not for claustrophobics: Narrow staircases between walls
- No elevator: All 463 steps by foot