This collection of structures form the religious heart of Florence, but they are also the most striking buildings you’ll find in the city. Dominating everything is the huge dome of the cathedral, but also here there’s the Baptistry, the bell tower (campanile) and the museum. The multi-coloured marble frontage of the cathedral is truly impressive, with the matching bell tower alongside it and the baptistry continuing the theme. For us, the highlight of our visit was climbing the steps to the top of the dome, a journey which demonstrates along the way what an incredible feat of architectural engineering this was when it was built around 1420. There are actually 2 domes here, the structure you see from the inside and the outer shell you see on the outside. Most of the route to the top takes place in between the two domes. It’s an arduous climb, but the view from the top is well worth it. Charges apply for climbing the dome, the baptistry, the campanile and the museum, but entry to the cathedral is free. This is an extract from our free Florence City Guide.
The frescoes on the dome ceiling in the Duomo, Florence
These buildings are the main attraction in Florence and there’s simply too much to say and too many great photos to get everything you need on one page. So, there’s information on this page about the museum and the campanile and you’ll find our dedicated pages for the cathedral, the baptistry and climbing the dome by clicking the following links….
VISITING THE DOME – Virtual climb, ticket prices, opening hours.
VISITING THE CATHEDRAL OF SANTA MARIA DEL FIORE – More information, pictures, opening times.
VISITING THE BAPTISTRY – More information, admission charges, pictures, opening hours.
THE CAMPANILE – Designed by Giotto with 414 steps to the top. It’s slightly easier to climb than the dome, and the big bonus is that your pictures of Florence from the top will have the dome in them! Open daily from 8.30am to 7.30pm with last entrance 40 minutes before closing. Admission is 6 Euros per person (2011 prices).
THE MUSEUM (MUSEO DELL’OPERA) - You’ll find the museum at the rear of the Duomo and exhibits include Michelangelo and Donatello sculptures and the original ‘Gates of Paradise’ from the Baptistry. Open 9am to 6.50pm daily but closes early at 1pm on Sundays. Adult admission is 6 Euros (2011 prices).
LOCATION & CONTACT
Address: Florence Duomo, Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze, Italy
Tel: +39 055 215380
Email: opera@operaduomo.firenze.it
MORE ON FLORENCE DUOMO
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)
