The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence was envisioned by Arnolfo Di Cambio in the 13th century, but the dome’s construction remained a mystery after his death.
Centuries later, Filippo Brunelleschi, a self-taught architect, won the commission to design the elusive dome with a challenge involving an egg.
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.
His innovative approach led to the creation of the largest brick dome in history, defying even modern science’s understanding.
This architectural marvel, adorning one of Catholicism’s most iconic sites, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, stands as a testament to human ingenuity and remains a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets to the Florence Cathedral.
Top Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore Tickets
# Duomo Area Tour and Brunelleschi’s Dome Climb
# Duomo Cathedral Guided Tour
# Duomo & Brunelleschi’s Dome Entry with Audio App
Table of contents
- What to expect at Florence Cathedral
- Where to book tickets
- How do online tickets work
- Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore ticket price
- Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore tickets
- Combo Tickets
- How to reach Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore
- Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore timings
- How long does the tour take
- Best time to visit Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore
- FAQs about the Cathedral Of Santa Maria Del Fiore
What to expect at Florence Cathedral
Arriving at Duomo Square in Florence unveils the city’s historical grandeur, Renaissance essence, and civic pride on display. The Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral stands adorned in a captivating blend of green, white, and pink marbles, showcasing the mesmerizing dome, a pinnacle of architectural splendor.
Guided through the Cathedral’s construction tales, learn of the politics, faith, rivalries, and architectural feats spanning over a century. This marvel represents an exquisite fusion of Gothic and Renaissance styles.
Explore the interior, gazing upon 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.
Ascend the dome’s 463 stairs for 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.
Delve into the Baptistry of St. John, an octagonal marvel, and admire its ornate gold frescoes and the renowned ‘Gates Of Paradise’ by Lorenzo Ghiberti. Michelangelo bestowed this name upon the spellbinding gilded bronze doors depicting Old Testament scenes.
Though the original Gates reside in the Duomo Museum for preservation, the replicas at the Baptistry remain captivating. This museum houses religious art, original sculptures, stained glass, and a detailed exhibit on the dome’s construction.
Explore the Santa Reparata crypt, revealing remnants and early Christian mosaic art from the previous church. The Florence Cathedral, a spiritual haven, continues to host religious services while serving as the archbishop’s residence, drawing pilgrims and fostering contemplation.
Where to book tickets
Tickets for Cathedral of Santa Maria Florence are available online and on the premises of the Santa Maria Del Fiore Church 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.
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 also helps 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.
Bring your official IDs.
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore ticket price
For the Florence Duomo Area Tour and Brunelleschi’s Dome Climb, an adult ticket for all ages above 14 costs €58.
Children under 14 are charged €48.
For the Florence Duomo Cathedral Guided Tour, an adult ticket for all ages costs €16
For Florence Duomo & Brunelleschi’s Dome Entry with Audio App, an adult ticket for all ages above 15 costs €47.
Children between seven and 14 can gain access at €22.
Infants under seven are not charged anything.
For the Florence Cathedral, Duomo Museum, and Baptistry Tour, an adult ticket for all ages above 15 costs €64.
Youths between seven and 14 can gain access at €54.
Children between three and six can gain entry at €44.
Infants under three can go on the tour for free.
For the Florence Duomo Complex Tour with Giotto Tower Ticket, an adult ticket for all ages above 15 costs €69.
Children between seven and 14 can gain access at €39.
Infants under seven are not charged anything.
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore tickets
The Santa Maria Del Fiore Tours offer a range of options for you to pick from, according to your interests and your budget:
Florence: Duomo Area Tour and Brunelleschi’s Dome Climb
This comprehensive tour offers the best way to explore the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.
Benefit from a guided tour of the entire church complex and skip-the-line access through a separate entrance.
Enjoy a 40-minute guided exploration of the Baptistery and Cathedral’s Exterior, followed by the opportunity to ascend the cathedral dome at your own pace.
After the dome climb, you’ll have two days to freely visit the Baptistry, cathedral, and museum using the same ticket, allowing ample time to explore these remarkable sites at your leisure.
Food and drinks are not included.
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.
An expert guide will let you in on the history of the Cathedral and the Medici era.
Entrance to the Cathedral is included.
This tour does not include a visit to the Baptistry, the museum, or the top of the dome.
Ticket Prices: €16
Florence: Duomo & Brunelleschi’s Dome Entry with Audio App
This tour is a cost-effective way to immerse yourself in all of the Florence Cathedral’s attractions without a live tour guide.
You will have a three-day pass to the Church complex.
You can visit the Cathedral, the Baptistry, the Museum, the Santa Reparata crypt, and climb the 463 steps of the Dome.
There will be no tour guide, but you will have an audio app guide that you can listen to 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.
Combo tickets can help you visit them all by booking just once and at a much-discounted rate!
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.
Combo tickets offer great discounts, making them worth every penny.
Florence Duomo Cathedral Tour + Uffizi Gallery
Distance: 1.3 km (0.80 miles)
Time Taken: 6 minutes by car
Immerse yourself in European art history by combining your trip to the Santa Maria Del Fiore Florence 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.
Ticket Cost: €61
Florence Duomo Cathedral Tour + Selfie Museum Florence
Distance: 1 km (0.62 miles)
Time Taken: 3 minutes by car
Make your trip to the Saint Mary of Flowers Cathedral in Florence even more memorable by combining it with a visit to the Selfie Museum in Florence at a highly discounted price!
The Selfie Museum is a cutting-edge space that reinterprets art with immersive and interactive art installations from over 400 artists across the world.
The photo opportunities this space provides are endless.
With this combo ticket, you will get guided, fast-track access to the Florence Cathedral of Saint Mary, entrance to the Selfie Museum, and the Pinocchio Experience temporary Exhibition.
Ticket Cost: €40
Florence Duomo Cathedral Tour + Hop-on Hop-off Bus Florence
Treat your senses to a dazzling feast by combining your trip to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore with a hop-on, hop-off bus tour of over 40 Florentine attractions.
The “hop-on-hop-off” feature means you can disembark at any stop and re-board later with the same ticket.
This flexibility allows you to spend more time at places of interest and explore the city at your own pace.
You will have the luxury of traversing through 44 prominent landmarks and will also be given an audio guide, along with a real-time bus tracking app.
With this combo ticket, you will get guided, fast-track access to the Florence Cathedral of Saint Mary and access to the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus tour experience.
Ticket Cost: €50
Save 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.
How to reach Cathedral of 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 public transportation.
By Bus
The Proconsolo bus station, the Vecchietti bus station, the Santa Maria Maggiore bus station, and the Pucci Duomo bus station are all a 4-minute walk away from the Cathedral.
By Train
The Firenze Santa Maria Novella (Florence Railway Station) is a 12-minute walk away from the Cathedral.
The Fortezza light rail station is a 12-minute walk away.
The Alamanni-Stazione Smn light rail station is a 15-minute walk away.
By Car
Put your starting point here to navigate to the Florence Cathedral.
There are several parking spots in the vicinity.
Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore timings
The Florence Duomo (Church) welcomes visitors every day from 10:15 am to 3:45 pm. The last entry to the church is at 3:30 pm.
The church is 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, timings shift to 12.25 pm and 5.15 pm.
How long does the tour take
The tour takes around 2 to 3 hours to complete.
Best time to visit Cathedral of 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.
FAQs about the Cathedral Of Santa Maria Del Fiore
Here are a few FAQs about the Cathedral Of Santa Maria Del Fiore:
It is advised to dress appropriately for a house of worship when entering the cathedral.
It is forbidden to enter wearing sandals, caps, sunglasses, and clothing with bare shoulders.
It is prohibited to enter with large bags and backpacks.
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.
The initial design of the cathedral is attributed to Arnolfo di Cambio, and later, architects played significant roles in its construction over a century.
The most significant contribution to the structure was by Filippo Brunelleschi, who designed the iconic dome.
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.
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