Itinerary for visiting Florence Cathedral
Florence Cathedral is one of the city’s great jewels. Guided by the explanations of an English-speaking guide, we will delve into the history of the Cathedral and also discover the Baptistery and the Cathedral Museum . Here are some important points to know before visiting Florence Cathedral, or Duomo.
What do we visit in the Florence Cathedral complex?
- Florence Cathedral: A symbol of the wealth and power of the Tuscan capital between the 13th and 14th centuries.
- The climb up the cathedral dome: 45.5 meters wide, Brunelleschi’s masterpiece.
- The Baptistery: Particularly famous for its three bronze doors, sculptural jewels of the 14th and 15th centuries.
Why is a visit to the Cathedral an essential part of your trip?
Florence Cathedral is one of the largest Christian churches in the world and one of the masterpieces of European religious architecture. Begun at the end of the 13th century, it was a statement by the already powerful Republic of Florence, which shortly afterwards would become the center of the world during that pivotal period in human history: the Renaissance. That is why we cannot understand the history of Florence without knowing its cathedral in depth.
What are the origins of Florence Cathedral?
Construction of the Duomo (Florence Cathedral) began in 1296 on the site of the earlier cathedral of Santa Reparata, and it was consecrated to Santa Maria del Fiore (St. Mary of the Flower), remaining for several centuries the largest cathedral in the world.
Why is Florence Cathedral called the Duomo?
Throughout Italy, the most important church in a city is known as the Duomo, a word that comes from the Latin term Domus, meaning house: the most important church, as well as being the house of God, is the house of the city — in this case, the house of the Florentines. And that is Florence Cathedral.
What is the best way to visit Florence Cathedral?
The guided tour of the Florence Duomo covers a series of buildings, all open to visitors and all well worth your time. For example, the Baptistery, a Romanesque jewel whose interior reveals magnificent mosaics on religious themes, such as the Last Judgement. The Campanile, the cathedral’s bell tower, is also worth a visit with its 414 steps and views over the city. And we cannot forget the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, which houses the originals of the works of art displayed on the outside of the cathedral, such as the world-famous Gates of Paradise.
Do you need a local guide to visit Florence Cathedral?
On the guided tour of the Cathedral complex you will discover the many secrets hidden within this imposing church, gain a clear understanding of how a cathedral is built, and hear the stories surrounding one of the largest cathedrals in the world.
What is the climb up the dome of Florence Cathedral like?
A true experience. Our climb up the dome is the best way to get to know the interior of the Cathedral and discover the magnificent frescoes that decorate the inside of the dome, as well as enjoy a view of the cathedral’s beautiful floors from the very top. The 463-step climb not only takes us to one of the highest points in the city, it also lets us see the interior of the cathedral from a completely different perspective.
Once at the top, the 360-degree view over the whole of Florence usually takes our breath away.
Is it hard to get tickets to climb the Duomo’s dome?
Don’t worry about that: we take care of the Florence Duomo tickets ourselves. Just enjoy the climb and the views. When you book with us, you will have reserved tickets and priority access to the cathedral.
What is visiting the Cathedral with children like?
One of the best moments of a visit to Florence Cathedral with children is, without doubt, the climb up the dome. It becomes a game the whole family takes part in, with plenty of curious stories along the way.
