Florence Cathedral: reviews, price and practical tips

+24
recs
4.8/5 6 reviews
Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Florence, Italy
Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Florence, Italy
Guided tour from $34*
Booking recommended
Book now
Cathédrale Santa Maria de Florence

Visiting Florence Cathedral

A towering masterpiece of the Renaissance, Florence Cathedral stands as an engineering feat and a monument on an extraordinary scale, serving as the ultimate symbol of Florence. The Duomo, as locals call it in this Tuscan city, remains one of the largest religious buildings in the world, measuring 153 m long by 42 m wide, with a dome stretching 45.5 m in diameter and reaching 100 m in height. It took more than 140 years and generations of visionary architects to build this marvel on the right bank of the Arno River, where it has commanded attention since the 13th century.

Exceptional architecture for an absolute masterpiece

Designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, its red cupola is the largest ever built, and its completion in 1436 marked the consecration of the church. This unprecedented architectural dome encloses 3,600 m² of frescoes at its core, creating an unforgettable sight. Everything about the Duomo matches this grand scale as a testament to the power of Florence, its magnitude amplified by unmatched decorative details. Clad in red, green, and white marble, the exterior demands hours of study to fully appreciate its intricate statues and stained glass. The cathedral you see today is the fourth iteration of the original structure, a testament to the sheer scale of such a challenging build. The five levels of its bell tower, finished in 1349, feature an array of pointed niches, reliefs, and remarkably rich sculptures. The interior feels almost subdued by comparison, though that word hardly does it justice, composed of a three-aisled Gothic nave, side chapels, a crypt, and sweeping frescoes. Everything is open to visitors, including the climb up the 463 steps of the dome that brings you close to pure engineering genius, with balcony stops offering sweeping views and a chance to experience the roof from both inside and out for an unforgettable visit.

Guided tour from $34*Booking recommended
Check availability

Opening hours

The Florence Cathedral is open daily from 10:15 AM to 4:30 PM. You can visit Brunelleschi's Dome every day from 8:15 AM to 7:30 PM, and Giotto's Bell Tower from 8:15 AM to 7:45 PM. Respectful attire is required.
Hours are indicative and subject to change

*Information subject to change

Reviews of the Florence Cathedral

Summary of 6 reviews
4.8/5
Average rating
+24 recs +24 -0 Score weighted by contributor expertise level: a recommendation from a level 3 member counts as 3.
Total recommendations

Ratings by visit type

With family
4
As a couple
5
With friends
4.8

Avygeo ranking

#106
in the world
#98
in Europe
#12
in Italy
#3
in Florence

Breathtaking

The Florence Cathedral is impressive for its grandiose architecture and massive dimensions. The facades in white and green marble colors are simply sublime. It is a must-see, and it attracts huge crowds. But you absolutely have to go. Just the exterior is worth the trip. If you have the time, you should also visit the interior.
I also loved wandering through the adjacent streets.

45
Recommends :
Overall rating :
With family :
As a couple :
With friends :

A must-see monument

The marble walls and brick dome of the cathedral have fascinated me since I was a kid. To me, it is still the symbol of the city. I had to wait to get inside the building, but the wait is made up for by the splendor of the place. The frescoes and paintings are magnificent. I have such fond memories of climbing the fabulous dome. More than 400 steps, sometimes almost completely vertical. It is a challenge that gives you access to the most beautiful view of Florence.

31
Recommends :
Overall rating :
With family :
As a couple :
With friends :

Truly magnificent

This cathedral is truly sumptuous. Whether it is the exterior or interior architecture, you will be charmed. To avoid the crowds, book your tickets in advance and come early in the morning. It is worth waiting in line. The frescoes inside are magnificent. A must-see during your time in Florence.

29
Recommends :
Overall rating :
With family :
As a couple :
With friends :

Imposing and elegant

An unmissable structure in the Florentine landscape, this cathedral manages to be imposing in its size, and elegant through the finesse of its exterior and interior decorations.

20
Recommends :
Overall rating :
With family :
As a couple :
With friends :

A true art museum

The architecture, the frescoes that adorn the walls and the dome.... Even if you are not religious, you will not be able to remain indifferent to these masterpieces.

18
Recommends :
Overall rating :
With family :
As a couple :
With friends :

My best memory of Florence

Let's start with the big downside: you will have to wait in line for more than an hour to get inside the cathedral.

For the rest, it is all positive. This church, which dominates the city, is even more beautiful on the inside than on the outside. The internal architecture is majestic and the scale is spectacular. The frescoes that adorn the walls and the dome are splendid.

Regarding the dome, if you are athletic and patient, I invite you to climb the steps that lead you to the top. The reward is worth the effort: another perspective on the church and its paintings, and an unbeatable panorama of Florence.

20
Recommends :
Overall rating :
With family :
As a couple :
With friends :

These pages may interest you

Top most beautiful churches and cathedrals in Italy Top most beautiful churches and cathedrals in Europe Top most beautiful churches and cathedrals in the world Top most beautiful monuments in Tuscany Top most beautiful monuments in Italy Top most beautiful monuments in Europe Top most beautiful monuments in the world