Duomo di Firenze

Overview

The Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore—Florence's Duomo—is crowned by Brunelleschi's iconic brick dome, the largest masonry dome ever built. The white, green, and pink marble facade and Giotto's bell tower create one of the world's most recognisable architectural ensembles.

Highlights

• Brunelleschi's Dome: 463 steps to the top, passing Vasari's 'Last Judgment' fresco and emerging for a 360° panorama.
• Baptistery doors: Ghiberti's 'Gates of Paradise'—gilded bronze panels that Michelangelo supposedly declared worthy of the entrance to Heaven.
• Crypt: Excavations beneath the cathedral reveal the remains of the earlier Santa Reparata church.

History

Construction began in 1296 (Arnolfo di Cambio) but the dome wasn't solved until Brunelleschi's engineering marvel of 1420–1436. The facade was only completed in 1887.

Visitor Tips

• Free cathedral entry: The nave is free; dome, bell tower, baptistery, and crypt require a combined pass (€30).
• Dome booking: Timed reservations required—book at museumflorence.com.
• Duration: 1–2 hours (with dome climb).