Florence Cathedral, Santa Maria del Fiore, is the heart of the city: a marble church crowned by Brunelleschi’s red dome, with Giotto’s bell tower and the Baptistery beside it. The cathedral itself is free to enter (Monday to Saturday, 10:15–15:45), but the dome, bell tower, Baptistery, crypt and museum need a pass from the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore. As of October 2026 the Brunelleschi Pass, the only one that includes the 463-step dome climb, costs €30 with a compulsory time slot; the Giotto Pass is €20 and the Ghiberti Pass €15. Book on duomo.firenze.it, as dome slots sell out first.
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Tickets and tours for Florence Cathedral
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Why the Duomo matters
Arnolfo di Cambio began the cathedral in 1296, but for over a century it lacked a roof over its vast octagonal crossing: nobody knew how to span it. Filippo Brunelleschi won the commission and built the dome between 1420 and 1436 without a wooden frame underneath, using two shells, herringbone brickwork and hoisting machines he invented himself. It is still the largest masonry dome ever built, and it became the model for St Peter’s in Rome. Giotto designed the bell tower from 1334, the octagonal Baptistery of San Giovanni is older than the cathedral, and the green, white and pink marble façade was only completed in the 19th century.
What you’ll see
- The cathedral: a huge, sober interior, Paolo Uccello’s clock and fresco of John Hawkwood, and, high above, the Last Judgement painted inside the dome by Vasari and Zuccari.
- Brunelleschi’s dome: the climb takes about 45 minutes, up narrow stairs between the two shells, along a gallery under the Last Judgement frescoes and out to the lantern, with the whole city below.
- Giotto’s bell tower: 414 steps with several landings, and the best view of the dome itself.
- The Baptistery: famous for Ghiberti’s gilded bronze doors, the “Gates of Paradise” (the originals are in the museum). As of October 2026 the mosaic ceiling is under restoration and not visible.
- Santa Reparata: the remains of the earlier cathedral under the floor, with Brunelleschi’s tomb.
- The Opera del Duomo Museum: the original Baptistery doors, Michelangelo’s late Pietà, Donatello’s Mary Magdalene and a full-size reconstruction of the medieval façade.
Tickets and how to visit
Prices and rules from the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore, as of October 2026:
- Brunelleschi Pass (€30, €12 ages 7–14): the dome, bell tower, museum, Baptistery and Santa Reparata. The dome needs a time slot chosen when you book, which cannot be changed or cancelled.
- Giotto Pass (€20, €7 ages 7–14): the bell tower, museum, Baptistery and Santa Reparata, without the dome.
- Ghiberti Pass (€15, €5 ages 7–14): the museum, Baptistery and Santa Reparata.
- Free: under-7s, and visitors with a disability and one companion (ask at the museum ticket office or write to the Opera in advance).
- Validity: three days from the first visit, one entry per monument. Passes cannot be changed or refunded.
- Dome entry: since March 2025 the dome climb is named and ID may be checked. Queue at the Porta della Mandorla, on the north side of the cathedral, 10 minutes before your slot; latecomers have only a few minutes’ grace. Under-18s must be with an adult.
- Hours: cathedral Monday to Saturday 10:15–15:45 (closed to visits on Sundays and religious holidays); dome slots Monday to Friday 8:15–18:45, Saturday 8:15–16:30, Sundays and holidays 12:45–16:30; bell tower daily 8:15–18:45; Baptistery daily 8:30–19:30 (13:30 on the first Sunday); museum daily 8:30–19:00 (closed on the first Tuesday of the month). All close on 25 December, 1 January and Easter Sunday.
- Autumn closures: the bell tower closes for maintenance from 9 to 13 November 2026, and the dome from 16 to 20 November 2026.
- Bags: medium and large bags and backpacks can’t go up the dome; leave them at the free luggage storage at Piazza del Duomo 38/r first.
- Dress code: shoulders and knees covered, no flip-flops, for the cathedral and the Baptistery.
How long to allow and when to go
Give the whole complex at least half a day: about 45 minutes for the dome, 40 for the bell tower and an hour or more for the museum. Book the earliest dome slot for cooler stairs and clearer views, and climb the bell tower on another day of your three-day pass to save your legs. Both climbs are steep and narrow with no lift, and are not suitable for people with heart conditions, vertigo or claustrophobia.
Accessibility
The cathedral, Baptistery and museum are accessible, with ramps and lifts in the museum; the step-free entrance to the cathedral is on its right side, and wheelchairs are available at the cathedral and museum. The dome and bell tower can only be climbed on foot.
Getting there
The Duomo stands in Piazza del Duomo, a 10-minute walk from Santa Maria Novella station and 5 minutes from the Uffizi. The historic centre is a traffic-limited zone, so arrive on foot.
Combine it with
Walk five minutes south through Piazza della Signoria to the Uffizi Gallery, and finish at the Ponte Vecchio. Plan your days with our Florence travel guide, take a day trip to the Leaning Tower of Pisa or into the Tuscan hills, and see our city sightseeing guide.
Florence Cathedral FAQ
Is Florence Cathedral free to visit?
Yes. Entering the cathedral is free, with no ticket or booking, Monday to Saturday from 10:15 to 15:45. The dome, bell tower, Baptistery, Santa Reparata and museum need a paid pass.
How do I climb Brunelleschi’s dome?
Buy the €30 Brunelleschi Pass on duomo.firenze.it and choose a time slot for the dome, which is compulsory and can’t be changed. Bring ID and queue at the Porta della Mandorla 10 minutes early. It is 463 steps with no lift.
Which is better, the dome or Giotto’s bell tower?
The dome gives you the frescoes up close and the thrill of climbing inside Brunelleschi’s structure; the bell tower (414 steps) has the better photo, because the dome is in it. With the Brunelleschi Pass you can do both over three days.
How far ahead should I book the dome?
As early as you can. Slots sell out days or weeks ahead from spring to autumn. If they are gone, the Giotto Pass still gives you a panoramic climb.
Is there a dress code for Florence Cathedral?
Yes. Shoulders and knees must be covered and flip-flops are not allowed in the cathedral or the Baptistery, for men and women alike.
Can children climb the dome?
Children under 7 go free, and under-18s must be with an adult. The climb is long, steep and narrow, so think twice with young children or anyone who dislikes tight spaces.