This is our virtual trip up the historic duomo dome in Florence. Your journey starts in Piazza del Duomo where you get a great view of the structure you’re about to ascend. Do not take the trip up the dome lightly – it involves hundreds of stone steps, wooden walkways and even a ladder! This virtual tour is part of our free Florence City Guide.
The Duomo in Florence
The entrance to the dome is at it the base of the cathedral on the left hand side of the picture above. The entrance is clearly marked, but occasionally the line for those wishing to enter the Duomo itself overlaps, so be sure you’re in the right queue.
The dome is open Monday to Saturday from 8.30am, closing at 7pm from Monday to Friday and at 5.40pm on Saturday. Adult admission to the dome costs 8 Euros (2011 prices). The first part of the climb involves the stone steps pictured above.
When you reach the height of the base of the dome itself, there is a small room with a display of statues. At this point, you will probably need a rest before attempting the rest of the climb!
Next, you get to walk around part of the walkway on the inside of the cathedral which gives you a spectacular view of the painted ceiling. The light comes from the natural light ‘lantern’ on this photo, which is where you are heading next.
From this point on, your journey takes place in between the two domes of the cathedral – the inner dome with the painted ceiling and the tiled outer dome that you see outside. There are spiral steps, zig-zag walkways and finally the flight of steps you see above which take you to a small ladder.
When you get to the top of the ladder, this is the sight that greets you! The platform at the top of the dome, runs around the stone ‘lantern’ and although it’s not large, you do feel entirely safe.
This is just part of the spectacular view to enjoy from the top of the dome. You can see for miles around and you are able to walk around the entire platform for 360 degree views of Florence and the surrounding Tuscan hills.
Stretching out from underneath the platform in all directions is the outer dome. It’s from here that you really get a feel for what a masterpiece Brunelleschi has created. This virtual tour is part of our free Florence City Guide.
LOCATION & CONTACT
Address: Florence Duomo, Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze, Italy
Tel: +39 055 215380
Email: opera@operaduomo.firenze.it
MORE ON THE FLORENCE DUOMO DOME
Florence Duomo – Official website
Hotels near Piazza del Duomo in Florence – Best price guarantee from Hotel.com
Best of Florence Walking Tour including the Duomo
More Florence Tours – From our Tours & Activities pages
Florence Guide Books – Amazon.co.uk (UK)
Florence Guide Books – Amazon.com (USA & Canada)
