Visit
Welcome to the site dedicated to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, the symbol of the Renaissance.
Here you’ll find all the information you need to plan your visit-from tickets to schedules, guided tours to the centuries-old history of this architectural marvel. Avoid long lines and discover the best ways to visit Florence Cathedral without stress.
Buy tickets online
with “skip the line” options and exclusive visits
Find out the opening hours
and the best days to visit it
Book a guided tour
for a more immersive experience
Tickets and prices
Visiting the Cathedral is a must-see experience, but choosing the right ticket can make all the difference. Here are the two main options available.
the absolute best-selling
Cathedral: Entrance Ticket + Guided Tour
Discover together with an expert guide every detail of the Duomo and explore Florence’s iconic monument.
Brunelleschi Dome and Cathedral: Skip The Line Premium Ticket
Skip the line and experience the wonders of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore and Brunelleschi’s Dome.
What to see inside the cathedral
Discover what to see inside the Duomo: a journey under the majestic dome, among ancient marbles, paintings, sculptures and centuries of perfectly preserved history.
How and when to visit the cathedral
Located in the heart of Florence, the Duomo is easily accessible by various means of transportation. To avoid queues, it is best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon. During the peak season months (April-September), weekdays are less crowded than weekends.
Opening hours and closing days
The Duomo is open for tourist visits every day, withthe exception of Sundays and religious holidays, during which access is reserved exclusively for worship. To better organize your visit, we suggest you consult the article dedicated to the timetables to discover in detail openings and closures of all the monuments of the Santa Maria del Fiore complex.
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
10:15 – 15:45
Brunelleschi's Dome
08:15 – 18:45
Baptistery of St. John
08:30 – 19:30
Giotto's Bell Tower
08:15 – 18:45
Cathedral Opera Museum
08:30 – 19:00
Santa Reparata
10:15 – 16:00
The “C” lines , the small electric buses, run in the immediate vicinity of the Cathedral.
Take the T2 Line to the “Unity” stop, which is just a short walk from the pedestrian zone leading to the Cathedral.
Convenient but more expensive solution.
From the historic center, you can reach the Cathedral with a pleasant walk.
BEST HOTELS NEAR FLORENCE CATHEDRAL
Where to sleep near the cathedral
Looking for a hotel with a view of the Duomo? Or a bed & breakfast from which to reach the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with a short and scenic walk? Find out which are the best hotels, vacation homes and B&Bs from which you can admire the Duomo simply by opening the window of your room.
BEST RESTAURANTS NEAR THE CATHEDRAL
Where to eat near the cathedral
Have you visited the Cathedral and felt hungry? Want to know the best restaurants or trattorias nearby? Discover the best typical inns in Florence where you can enjoy real Florentine steak, pici or other specialties typical of the cradle of the Renaissance.
History of the cathedral: from the Ancient Firenzenians to the present
Discover the fascinating history of the Duomo, Florence’s eternal jewel. Built on the foundations of the ancient Santa Reparata to celebrate the city’s greatness, it became the symbol of the Renaissance thanks to Brunelleschi’s ingenious Dome, maintaining its majesty intact to this day.
Discover the Duomo: guided tours, experiences and special tickets
Want a more complete experience? Choose from guided tours, exclusive access and combined tickets with Giotto’s Bell Tower and Baptistery. A unique way to discover the Duomo from different perspectives.
What to know before visiting the cathedral
Be sure to plan ahead for your visit to the Duomo. Find out how to get there and what tips you can use to best explore this symbol of Florence:
Tickets
Book your tickets in advance! The Cathedral is one of the most visited monuments in the world, and tickets with scheduled admission times sell out quickly, especially in high season. To avoid long waits and the risk of not finding availability, it is strongly recommended to purchase tickets online in advance.
Recommended clothing
Comfortable and respectful clothing is recommended for visiting the Cathedral, considering that it is a place of worship. It is preferable to wear covered shoulders and knees, avoid clothes that are too short or low-cut, and comfortable footwear for walking on the large space inside and near the entrance.
Who can access the cathedral
The cathedral can be accessed by all visitors. Since it is an active basilica, it is important to respect times of worship: during religious services, entry may be restricted or subject to silence and respect for the place. Therefore, access is open to tourists, worshippers and school groups, with paths accessible even to people with reduced mobility.
Accompaniment of minors
Minors may enter the Cathedral accompanied by a responsible adult. It is recommended that children and youth be supervised at all times during the visit, both for safety reasons and out of respect for the place of worship. Some activities, such as the use of audio guides or participation in guided tours, may require adult supervision.
Security Control
Security checks are provided at the entrance to the Cathedral to ensure the protection of visitors and the monument. All visitors must pass through metal detectors and their luggage may be inspected. It is recommended to avoid backpacks or bulky items and follow staff directions for quick and safe access.
Pets allowed
No animals are allowed inside the Cathedral, with the exception of guide dogs for people with visual impairments. It is important to respect this rule to ensure safety, hygiene and respect for the place of worship. Therefore, animals must remain outside or in specially dedicated areas.
Accessibility for the disabled
Entrance to the Cathedral is free for people with disabilities and a companion. The main entrance has a dedicated ramp, and the interior is level, allowing use of the spaces with a wheelchair or for those with mobility difficulties.
Luggage storage
There is no luggage storage service inside the Cathedral. It is recommended to bring only small backpacks or bags, as bulky items may not be allowed at the entrance. For larger luggage, external storage services near the monument should be used.
Frequently asked questions
Do you have questions about visiting the Cathedral? Check out our FAQ section to find detailed answers to frequently asked questions, such as cost, tour duration, what to see inside, and more.
Yes, the Cathedral provides various solutions designed to facilitate access for people with disabilities. There is a dedicated ramp that allows barrier-free entry, and the completely level interior spaces are suitable for wheelchairs or visitors with reduced mobility. There are no upper floors to reach, but staff offer qualified assistance. For more detailed information, it is recommended that you check the official website or contact the reception service in advance to best arrange every step of your visit experience here.
Typically, a visit to the cathedral takes 30-40 minutes, enough time to grasp its charms, observe the play of light from the Oculus, admire the harmony of the architecture, and visit the tombs of the artists and sovereigns resting inside. Those who want a more in-depth experience can devote more time, especially by choosing thematic tours, audio guides or guided tours that allow for an even richer and more exciting immersion.
- Low Season: In the winter months (November to February, excluding the Christmas-New Year period) you will find fewer crowds and can move more leisurely.
- Weekdays: avoiding weekends and holidays can help you encounter shorter lines, especially if you arrive early in the morning (opening is usually around 8:30 a.m.).
Online booking: if possible, book your ticket in advance and choose a less popular time slot (early morning or mid-afternoon) to reduce wait times.
No, no food or beverages are allowed inside the Cathedral. In order to respect the preservation of the monument and ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors, any snacks or beverages should be consumed only in the outdoor areas or dedicated areas outside the basilica.