All about the Duomo
It’s impossible to imagine Florence without the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, or simply Duomo. If the city’s countless museums represent its intellect and its streets its body, then the Duomo is undoubtedly its beating heart. For centuries, its construction was the lifeblood of Florentine existence, where economic prestige, civic duty, political intrigue, theological erudition and religious devotion all converged.
It’s no surprise, then, that almost all of the great Florentine artists played a role in this centuries-long masterpiece—from Giotto and Brunelleschi to Donatello. Our tour takes you through every part of the Duomo complex, each site coming together like the petals of what surely can be called Florence’s most beautiful flower.
The Duomo – Santa Maria del Fiore
We will admire the Cathedral from the exterior and visit its interior, joining the dots between the civic and religious significance of what Florentines, with no shortage of humbleness, intended to be the most stunning church of all christianity.
Santa Reparata
Hidden beneath the grandeur of the Duomo lies Santa Reparata, an archaeological site displaying the excavations of previous churches, among which an ancient Christian basilica. This underground treasure trove reveals colorful mosaics, centuries-old tombs, and remnants of a forgotten world, telling the story of the city’s early faith and artistry.
Giotto’s Bell Tower
Standing beside the cathedral, Giotto’s Bell Tower is a sometimes overlooked masterpiece of Florentine Gothic architecture. The sculpted panels adorning the tower symbolize the dignity of human labor and reflect the innovation of 14th-century Florence.
The Dome
Designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, the Duomo’s dome is a groundbreaking marvel of engineering and a quintessential masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance. Constructed without scaffolding using innovative techniques, it has left an indelible mark on architecture worldwide. While we can certainly admire its awe-inspiring grandeur from below, for those willing to venture a bit further, we have the opportunity to climb the 463 steps to the top. The reward? A panoramic view of Florence that will take your breath away.
The Baptistery of San Giovanni
One of Florence’s oldest buildings, the Baptistery is renowned for its magnificent bronze doors, including Lorenzo Ghiberti’s famous Gates of Paradise.
**Please note** The mosaics decorating the dome of the Baptistery will not be visible as they are currently undergoing restoration, which is scheduled to finish in 2028.
The Museo dell’Opera del Duomo
The Opera Museum houses many original masterpieces from the Cathedral, Baptistery, and Bell Tower. Its collection includes priceless works such as Donatello’s Magdalene, Michelangelo’s Pietà, and the original Baptistery doors.
Practical Information
- A tour with entrance tickets is possible every day of the week, except Sundays and religious holidays.
- The price starts at €240, depending on the duration and number of participants. All tours are private.
- The climb involves 463 steps to the dome and 414 steps to the bell tower. The visit to these two sites is not recommended for people with a fear of heights, claustrophobia, or other health issues.
- The Duomo, Baptistery, and Museo del Duomo are accessible to people with mobility difficulties and wheelchairs.
- Monument tickets are not included in the price of the guided tour but can take care of purchasing the right ticket option for you. There are three different ticket options, each covering different monuments:
- Ghiberti Pass €15 (Duomo, Santa Reparata, Baptistery, Museo del Duomo)
- Giotto Pass €20 (Bell Tower + Duomo, Santa Reparata, Baptistery, Museo del Duomo)
- Brunelleschi Pass €30 (Dome + Duomo, Santa Reparata, Baptistery, Museo del Duomo, Bell Tower)