The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as the Florence Cathedral, is one of the world’s largest and most breathtaking churches.
A proud UNESCO World Heritage Site, this masterpiece of Gothic and Renaissance architecture dominates the Florence skyline with its stunning red-tiled dome.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know before visiting—ticket options, opening hours, what to see, and insider tips to make your visit smooth and unforgettable.
Top Tickets
# Brunelleschi Pass (Dome climb)
# Giotto Pass (Bell Tower)
# Ghiberti PassSince Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral is a popular tourist attraction, it is best to book your tickets as soon as your dates are finalized.
When & where to buy tickets for Santa Maria del Fiore
You can enter the Cathedral for free from Monday to Saturday between 10:15 am and 3:45 pm.
The Cathedral is closed to visitors on Sundays and during religious events because of worship services.
But you’ll need to buy a ticket to visit other parts of the Cathedral complex—like Brunelleschi’s Dome, the Bell Tower, or the Baptistery.
You can book these tickets online in advance or at the cathedral’s entrance. We think booking online is the smarter choice.
Online tickets are often cheaper than buying them at the gate. Plus, they help you skip the long lines at the ticket counter, saving you time and energy.
When you book early, you can also choose your preferred time slot, which is great during busy seasons.
Once you book the tickets online or through the official website, you will get a confirmation email with your ticket. Printing the ticket is unnecessary. On the day of your visit, show the e-ticket on your phone and enter.
Note: For foreign guests, it is necessary to provide passport and visa information during check-in.
Santa Maria del Fiore tickets
While the Cathedral is free to visit, you need to buy a ticket if you want to visit the attractions around it in Piazza del Duomo (like the Dome, Bell Tower, Baptistery, and Museum).
You can choose from three different passes (or tickets!), and each one lets you see different parts of the complex. The passes are called:
- Brunelleschi Pass
- Giotto Pass
- Ghiberti Pass
Once you buy a pass, you can use it any time within 3 days, so you don’t have to see everything in one day.
| Ticket | Monuments included | Reservation? |
|---|---|---|
| Brunelleschi Pass | – Dome – Bell Tower – Baptistery – Museum – Santa Reparata | For Dome |
| Giotto Pass | – Bell Tower – Baptistery – Museum – Santa Reparata | For Bell Tower |
| Ghiberti Pass | – Baptistery – Museum – Santa Reparata | For Santa Reparata |
Unlock Florence with one card: Skip the lines, save money, and explore more with the Florence Card. Get fast-track access to top attractions like the Uffizi Gallery, Accademia Gallery, and Brunelleschi’s Dome—all with one pass.
Opening hours
The opening hours for each monument in Piazza del Duomo can change depending on the day, season, or religious events.
Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore)
Open Monday to Saturday from 10:15 am to 3:45 pm. Hours may change during religious services.
Brunelleschi’s Dome
Open Monday to Friday from 8:15 am to 6:45 pm. On Saturdays, it’s open from 8:15 am to 4:30 pm. It opens later on Sundays and religious holidays—from 12:45 pm to 4:30 pm.
Baptistery of San Giovanni
Open every day from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm. On the first Sunday of the month, it closes early at 1:30 pm.
Giotto’s Bell Tower
Open daily from 8:15 am to 6:45 pm.
Opera del Duomo Museum
Open daily from 8:30 am to 7 pm. It’s closed on the first Tuesday of each month for maintenance.
Santa Reparata (Ancient Basilica)
Open Monday to Saturday from 10:15 am to 4:00 pm. It opens from 1:30 pm to 4 pm on Sundays and religious holidays.
Dress code for Santa Maria del Fiore
To enter the Cathedral, you must dress respectfully, as it’s a place of worship. Please cover your shoulders and legs—no shorts, tank tops, sandals, or hats are allowed inside. Also, large bags or luggage are not permitted.
The Cathedral’s name: “Santa Maria del Fiore” means “Saint Mary of the Flower”, a tribute to the city’s name Florentia—the city of flowers—and its symbol, the Florentine lily.
Navigating the Cathedral complex
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Visiting Piazza del Duomo can be exciting and overwhelming—there’s so much to see, all within walking distance.
To make your visit easier, here’s a simple guide to help you navigate the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral complex, find where each attraction is located, and how to reach it.
Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore)
- Entrance Location: Porta dei Cornacchini (right side of the Cathedral)
- How to Get There: Head toward the main façade and go right to find the free visitor entrance.
Brunelleschi’s Dome (Cupola)
- Entrance Location: Porta della Mandorla (left side of the Cathedral when facing the front)
- How to Get There: From the Piazza, walk toward the north side of the Cathedral along Via dei Servi.
Tip: Be ready to climb 463 steps—no elevator!
Baptistery of San Giovanni
- Location: Right across from the Cathedral’s front entrance
- How to Get There: It is the octagonal building in Piazza del Duomo, right in front of you when you stand facing the Cathedral.
Giotto’s Bell Tower (Campanile)
- Entrance Location: Directly next to the Cathedral, near the Baptistery
- How to Get There: Walk along the Cathedral’s right side, and you’ll spot the entrance next to Santa Reparata.
Tip: The climb is 414 steps, no elevator.
Opera del Duomo Museum (Museo dell’Opera)
- Location: Behind the Cathedral, along Via dell’Oriuolo
- How to Get There: Walk past the left side of the Cathedral and follow the signs toward Via dell’Oriuolo.
Santa Reparata (Ancient Basilica)
- Entrance Location: Through the Cathedral interior, accessible during complex visits
- How to Get There: Enter via the Dome or Museum ticket entrances and follow signs inside the Cathedral.
Just under 80 km from Florence Cathedral, the stunning Siena Cathedral awaits—make it your next unforgettable stop!
FAQs about Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence
Here are some commonly asked questions to help you make the most of your visit.
How long does it take to visit Santa Maria del Fiore?
If you’re just visiting the Cathedral, it usually takes about 30 minutes. To explore the full complex—including Brunelleschi’s Dome, Baptistery, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Opera del Duomo Museum—plan to spend 2 to 3 hours.
When is the best time to visit Santa Maria del Fiore?
The best time to visit is on weekdays before 12 noon, when the crowds are smaller. Avoid Sundays and major religious holidays, as the Cathedral may be closed to tourists or more crowded due to services.
Do I need to show ID to enter the Duomo complex?
Yes, ID is required at the entrance. International visitors must show their passport and visa information when checking in.
Can I take photos inside the Florence Cathedral?
Yes, photography is generally allowed, but no flash or tripods.
Please respect any posted signs that indicate no photography in specific areas or near delicate artworks.
Are bags allowed inside Santa Maria del Fiore?
Large bags and backpacks are not allowed inside the Cathedral. You can store them for free at the luggage storage in Piazza Duomo 38/r, near the museum.
Can I attend Mass at the Florence Cathedral?
Yes, the Cathedral holds regular Mass services, and all are welcome to attend.
What are the Mass timings at Santa Maria del Fiore?
Monday to Saturday: 8:30 am, 10 am, and 6 pm
Sunday: 7:30 am, 9 am, 10:30 am, 12 pm, and 6 pm
These services are held in the area reserved for worship, and access is free.
Can I climb Brunelleschi’s Dome?
Yes! You can climb 463 steps to the top of Brunelleschi’s Dome for stunning views of Florence. There is no elevator, and the climb is narrow and steep.
How do I reach Santa Maria del Fiore?
The Cathedral is located in the heart of Florence at: Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy. It’s easy to reach on foot from anywhere in the historic city center. Get Directions
Who designed the Florence Cathedral and Dome?
Arnolfo di Cambio designed the original Cathedral in the late 13th century. About 100 years later, Filippo Brunelleschi designed the magnificent Dome, now one of Florence’s most famous landmarks.
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!