Florence Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore)

A short history

The cathedral was begun in 1296 to designs by Arnolfo di Cambio, on the site of the old church of Santa Reparata; the wealthy Florentine Republic wanted the largest, most beautiful church in Tuscany. The walls rose for nearly a century, but a huge gap remained over the crossing — no one knew how to span some 45 m without wooden centring, for which there simply wasn't enough timber.

Filippo Brunelleschi, a goldsmith turned engineer, found the answer. In 1420–1436 he raised a double-shelled dome, laying bricks in a herringbone pattern so they held themselves up, and invented new hoisting machines to build it. It became the symbol of the Renaissance and remains the largest brick dome in the world. The coloured marble façade was finished only in 1887.

Façade and interior

Outside, the cathedral is clad in patterns of white Carrara, green and pink marble, matching Giotto's bell tower and the Baptistery to form one ensemble. Inside it's surprisingly austere and vast. The inner dome is covered by the huge Last Judgement fresco by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari; over the entrance is Paolo Uccello's 15th-century one-handed clock, running anticlockwise; and beneath the floor the crypt holds remains of ancient Santa Reparata.

What to see

• Brunelleschi's dome — the climb and the view from the top.
• The Last Judgement fresco — up close from the dome gallery.
• The marble façade — white, green and pink.
• Uccello's clock — above the entrance inside.
• Santa Reparata crypt — the ancient church below.
• Duomo Museum — original statues and the Gates of Paradise.

Tickets and rules

The cathedral is free, though the queue can be long by day. Combined passes for the dome, Giotto's bell tower, the Baptistery, the museum and the crypt are sold on the official Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore site, with a timed slot for the dome; the pass is valid over several days.

Shoulders and knees must be covered and large bags aren't allowed. The dome climb isn't advised for those with heart conditions or claustrophobia — the stairs are steep and tight. Giotto's bell tower next door, at 414 steps, gives a similar view with a shorter queue.

Is Florence Cathedral worth it?

Yes — it's the symbol of Florence and of the Renaissance. Even without the climb, walk around the outside and step in for free. The dome climb is one of Italy's great experiences: you walk inside Brunelleschi's ingenious structure and emerge on the roof of the city. Book a morning slot before the heat.

Florence's churches: compare and choose

Churches and basilicas in Florence rated by YesGo. Click a column header to sort.

Nearby and on the way

41

Giotto's Campanile

Florence, Italy

1 h · Combined cathedral pass · 3 min walk

Yes — add to my route: Giotto's Campanile

48

Florence Baptistery

Florence, Italy

30 min · Combined cathedral pass · 3 min walk

Yes — add to my route: Florence Baptistery

45

Palazzo Medici Riccardi

Florence, Italy

1 h · Paid · 4 min walk

Yes — add to my route: Palazzo Medici Riccardi

44

Laurentian Library

Florence, Italy

30 min · Paid · 5 min walk

Yes — add to my route: Laurentian Library

How to do it right

• The cathedral is free.
• Book the dome slot ahead.
• 463 steps, no lift.
• Cover shoulders and knees.

Questions