Duomo of Florence (Duomo di Firenze) - Florence Cathedral (Florence Cathedral), formally the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (La Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, Cathedral of St. Mary with a flower), which is the cathedral of Florence and the most famous architectural structure of the Florentine Quattrocento. More about the cathedral...
The dome of the cathedral can be climbed; there is an open 360-degree observation deck.
The cathedral stands out not only for its size, architecture and the adjacent ensemble, but also for the dome crowning the cathedral, known as the Cupola del Brunelleschi, which received its name from Filippo Brunelleschi, according to whose plans the dome was erected in 1420-1436.
The dome of the Florentine Duomo (Duomo is the Italian term for the cathedral) is an absolute masterpiece of art, which for centuries has been and is a symbol of Florence and the era of the Tuscan Renaissance.
The dome of the cathedral with a diameter of 45.5 meters and a total height of more than 116 meters is the largest stone vault in the world.
Brunelleschi's innovation was that he turned the dome without the use of supporting armor. The dome actually consists of two separate domes: one inner, more than two meters thick, with a larger angle than the other, consisting of large arches fastened with ribs and made of bricks arranged in a herringbone pattern; and the outer covering, covered with terracotta tiles and marked with eight white marble ribs.
The oculus of the dome is crowned with a large lantern: a white marble tower 21 meters high, built after Brunelleschi's death (1446), but according to his design. At the very top is a golden copper ball with a cross by Andrea del Verrocchio, who installed it in 1471.
Today, you can climb up to the dome and go out to the open 360-degree observation deck, which offers stunning views of the whole of Florence and even beyond the city limits.
The observation deck is located at an altitude of 92 meters.
Ascent to the dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
The entrance to the ascent to the dome is located on the north side of the cathedral, from the Porta della Mandorla (Porta della Mandorla) from the Duomo Square (Piazza del Duomo).
A total of 463 feet lead to the dome (there is no elevator).
The ascent under the dome is carried out by a spiral staircase. When climbing, you can see a small exposure.
Climbing the spiral staircase, we exit to the terrace under the inner part of the dome. From this point, the inner vault of the dome, painted with frescoes in 1572-1579 by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari on the theme of the Last Judgment, is clearly visible.
Also, the entire volume of the inner hall of the cathedral is perfectly felt from above.
Then the ascent is carried out inside the dome by stairs with transitions. The stairs are partly quite steep.
During the descent from the dome, guests are also accompanied by a small exposition.
Observation deck of the dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
The observation deck on the dome of the cathedral is open, 360-degree circular.
This is one of the favorite places in Florence for photos and photo sessions.
Views from the dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
Tuscany is also visible outside the city.
Practical information
The ascent to the dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is paid.
The ascent to the dome is included in a single ticket to visit the ensemble of monuments of the Santa Maria del Fiore complex, which, in addition to the dome of the cathedral, also includes: the Baptistery of San Giovanni, the Giotto bell tower with viewing platforms, the Opera Duomo Museum and the ancient Basilica of Santa Reparata under the cathedral. The ticket is valid for 3 days.
To climb the dome, it is necessary in advance (when buying a ticket) to choose the time of ascent to the dome, by which you will have to approach the entrance to the ascent to the dome. All other facilities of the complex can be visited at any time of the ticket validity.
Tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket offices (information centers) on the square near the cathedral.
Accurate and detailed information about tickets and their cost, the opening hours of the facilities of the complex, the available free time for recording the ascent to the dome, etc., we recommend checking on the official website of the complex: duomo.firenze.it.
All accommodation facilities in Florence (hotels, apartments, guest houses, etc.), including in the historical center of the city and more remotely from it, can be viewed and booked here
