The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, or the Cathedral of St. Mary of Flowers, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site designed by Arnolfo Di Cambio in 1296. Its dome was completed by Filippo Brunelleschi in 1436.
Legend has it that Brunelleschi, vying for the dome’s commission, challenged contenders to balance an egg vertically. He astounded everyone by cracking the egg’s bottom and making it stand upright, securing the design bid.
Brunelleschi used the same innovative approach to create the largest brick dome in history, defying even modern science’s understanding.
Here’s everything you need to know before booking Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore tickets.
Top Tickets
# Duomo Area Tour and Brunelleschi’s Dome Climb
# Duomo Cathedral Guided Tour
# Duomo & Brunelleschi’s Dome Entry with Audio App
It’s highly recommended to book your tickets for Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in advance. These tickets sell out quickly, so securing your spot early ensures you don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore tickets
There is a range of ticket options for touring the Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore.
You can opt for a Duomo area tour and Brunelleschi’s dome climb ticket, a Duomo cathedral guided tour ticket, or even a Duomo & Brunelleschi’s dome entry with an audio app ticket.
Florence: Duomo Area Tour and Brunelleschi’s Dome Climb
This comprehensive 40-minute guided tour is the best way to explore the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, adorned with a captivating blend of green, white, and pink marbles.
If you were to gaze upwards, you’d see the legendary cupola with its vibrant frescoes, while the naves and stained glass windows exude profound spirituality.
The Cathedral’s central nave, adorned with lofty columns and ribbed vaults, offers a breathtaking spectacle too.
The guided tour, which includes skip-the-line access through a separate entrance, starts with the baptistery and Cathedral’s interior, followed by the opportunity to ascend the cathedral dome at your own pace.
You can also opt for the dome climb first, after which you have two days to freely visit the baptistry, cathedral, and museum using the same ticket.
This tour is available in 14 languages and has time slots at 9 am, 11 am, 12.30 pm, 2 pm, and 3.30 pm.
Note: Food and drinks are not included with this ticket.
Ticket Prices
Adult Ticket (15+ years): €58
Child Ticket (up to 14 years): €48
Florence: Duomo Cathedral Guided Tour
This ticket is the cheapest way to visit the San Maria Del Fiore Cathedral Complex.
While entrance to the Cathedral is included, this tour does not offer access to the Baptistry, the museum, or the dome terrace.
The tour encompasses a licensed guide and headsets so that you can explore the beautiful and historic Duomo in its entirety.
Your guide’s commentary takes you back to a time when the powerful and wealthy Medici Family ruled Florence. They were, in fact, benefactors of the cathedral’s construction and the artists commissioned to work at the San Maria Del Fiore.
When inside the cathedral, don’t forget to marvel at the indoor decoration, the Cupola created by Filippo Brunelleschi. and Giorgio Vasari’s Last Judgment fresco.
Ticket Prices: €16
Buy This TicketFlorence: Duomo & Brunelleschi’s Dome Entry with Audio App
This tour is a cost-effective way to experience all of Florence Cathedral’s attractions without a live guide.
You will have a three-day pass to the Church complex, which allows you to visit the Cathedral, the baptistry, the museum, the Santa Reparata crypt, as well as the dome with its 463-step climb.
Ascending the dome gives you an unparalleled view of Florence’s skyline, a testament to architectural genius. Nearby stands the 85-meter campanile adorned with intricate Bible motifs by Giotto.
Also, step into the Baptistry of St. John, an octagonal marvel, and admire its ornate gold frescoes and the renowned ‘Gates of Paradise’ by Lorenzo Ghiberti.
The Santa Reparata crypt is another marvel as it contains remnants and early Christian mosaic art from the previous church.
As there’s a lot to take in, the absence of a tour guide is compensated with an audio app guide available in English, Italian, French, and Spanish.
Ticket Prices
Adult Ticket (15+ years): €47
Child Ticket (7 to 14 years): €22
Infant Ticket (up to 7 years): Free
Combo Tickets
Florence is teeming with iconic attractions, and there are quite a few of them near Santa Maria Del Fiore, all within a 10-15 minute car ride radius.
In fact, you can buy Florence Cathedral tickets in combination with tickets for the Uffizi Gallery, Selfie Museum, and Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours in Florence at special rates.
Florence Duomo Cathedral Tour + Uffizi Gallery
Immerse yourself in European art history by combining your trip to the Santa Maria Del Fiore cathedral with a visit to the world-renowned Uffizi Gallery at a highly discounted price.
The art institution has one of the largest Renaissance art collections in the world, with masterpieces from Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, and the Baroque master Caravaggio, to whom no less than eight rooms are dedicated.
With this combo ticket, you will get guided, fast-track access to the Florence Cathedral of Saint Mary and a priority entrance to the Uffizi Gallery.
The distance between both attractions is 1.3 km (0.80 miles), and it takes around 6 minutes by car.
Ticket Cost: €61
Buy This TicketFlorence Duomo Cathedral Tour + Selfie Museum Florence
Enhance your visit to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore by pairing it with a trip to Florence’s vibrant Selfie Museum for a truly unforgettable experience.
The Selfie Museum is a one-of-a-kind, contemporary space where art meets innovation, featuring immersive and interactive installations by more than 400 artists from around the globe.
With endless photo opportunities, it’s the perfect place to capture your creativity and have some fun.
This combo ticket offers guided, fast-track access to the iconic Santa Maria del Fiore, the dynamic Selfie Museum, and the unique Pinocchio Experience temporary exhibition.
Both the cathedral and museum are just 1 km (0.62 miles) apart from each other and it takes 3 minutes by car either way.
Ticket Cost: €40
Buy This TicketFlorence Duomo Cathedral Tour + Hop-on Hop-off Bus Florence
With this ticket, you can indulge in a sensory adventure by pairing your visit to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with a hop-on, hop-off bus tour that weaves through over 40 of Florence’s most iconic attractions.
With the freedom to hop off at any stop and hop back on whenever you’re ready, this tour gives you the ultimate flexibility to dive deeper into the spots that capture your imagination and explore the city at your own rhythm.
Your ticket also includes an audio guide to enrich your journey with fascinating stories, plus a real-time bus tracking app to keep your sightseeing smooth and stress-free.
Ticket Cost: €50
Buy This TicketSave time and money! Buy the Florence Pass, the key to exploring the city’s top attractions. Visit the world-renowned Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery and get skip-the-line access to Brunelleschi’s Dome. The pass also includes a downloadable audio guide app.
Where to book tickets
Tickets for the Cathedral of Santa Maria Florence are available online and at the cathedral’s complex.
Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the venue.
When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the attraction’s ticket counters. Also, when you book early, you also get your preferred time slot.
Because some attractions sell a limited number of tickets, during peak days they may sell out.
Booking online helps you to avoid last-minute disappointment and delays.
How do online tickets work
Go to the Florence Chapel Tickets online portal, select your preferred date and the number of tickets you wish to purchase, and buy the tickets right away.
Once you complete the bookings, the tickets will be mailed to you.
You don’t need to carry printouts. On the day of your visit, you can show the e-ticket on your smartphone and walk into the attraction.
Don’t forget to carry your official IDs wherever you go.
Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore timings
The Florence Duomo welcomes visitors every day from 10.15 am to 3.45 pm, with the last entry scheduled for 3.30 pm.
The church remains closed on Sundays.
Brunalleschi’s Dome is open to visitors between Monday and Friday between 8.15 am and 7.30 pm. On Saturday, it opens between 8.15 am and 5.15 pm, and on Sunday, 12.25 pm to 5.15 pm.
How long does the tour take
A visit to the Cathedral alone should take about 30 minutes. However, if you plan to visit the dome, baptistery, bell tower, and museum, allocate 2-3 hours to make the best of your visit.
Best time to visit Santa Maria Del Fiore
The best time to visit the Santa Maria Del Fiore is on weekdays and non-holidays before 12 noon. This will allow you to explore the legendary setting at your own pace.
It is best to avoid the cathedral on Sundays and other days of religious importance.
Recommended
How to reach Santa Maria Del Fiore
The Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore is situated in the historic city center of Florence, making it one of the city’s most central and prominent landmarks.
Address: Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy. Get Directions.
The Cathedral is well-connected by both public and private transportation.
By Bus
The Proconsolo, Vecchietti, Santa Maria Maggiore, and Pucci Duomo bus stations are all a 4-minute walk from the Cathedral.
By Train
The Firenze Santa Maria Novella (Florence Railway Station) and Fortezza light rail stations are both a 12-minute walk from the Cathedral. The Alamanni-Stazione Smn light rail station is a 15-minute walk away.
By Car
If you are traveling by car, turn on Google Maps, enter your starting point, and navigate to the Florence Cathedral. There are several parking spots nearby.
FAQs about the Cathedral Of Santa Maria Del Fiore
Here are a few frequently asked questions about the Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore.
Is there an entrance fee to visit the Cathedral?
Entrance to the Cathedral itself is free, but tickets are required for entry to the dome, baptistery, bell tower, and museum. Combined tickets are available for all the attractions within the complex.
Where can I book tickets to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore?
The cathedral is one of the most iconic attractions in Europe, and its tickets can be easily found on the attraction’s ticket booking page.
Who designed the Florence Cathedral?
The cathedral’s initial design is attributed to Arnolfo di Cambio, and Filippo Brunelleschi designed the iconic dome 100 years later.
Is it permitted to take pictures inside the Florence Cathedral?
In general, taking pictures inside the cathedral is permitted. But please heed any posted warnings and respect them, particularly in sites where there are fragile artworks and frescoes.
Is there a dress code followed at Santa Maria Del Fiore?
It is advised to dress appropriately for a house of worship when entering the cathedral. Avoid wearing sandals, caps, sunglasses, and clothing with bare shoulders. Large bags and backpacks are also not allowed inside the cathedral.
Can I attend a mass at the Cathedral?
Yes, the Cathedral holds regular masses, and visitors are welcome to attend.
What are the mass timings at Santa Maria Del Fiore?
The liturgical services are held at 8.30 am, 10.00 am, and 6.00 pm from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, masses are held at 7.30 am, 9.00 am, 10.30 am, 12.00 pm, and 6.00 pm.
Can I climb to the top of the dome?
Yes, visitors can climb the 463 steps to the top of Brunelleschi’s dome for panoramic views of Florence. However, the climb is steep and narrow, so it’s important to be physically prepared.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is seriously next level. The architecture is stunning, and the details are insane. The climb to the top is so worth it for the epic views of Florence. Don’t miss out on this gem! The photos you’ll get are totally Instagram-worthy. #FlorenceVibes #TravelGoalsJam
The Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore is an absolute stunner! The architecture is mind-blowing, and climbing the dome is a must. The views are epic, and the whole vibe is just unforgettable. See it to believe it!