Florence Duomo Tickets & Guide 2026 | Climbing Brunelleschi's Dome

By Emma · Updated 12 October 2026 · 3 min read

TL;DR

The cathedral itself is free, but closed to visitors on Sundays
The dome climb is only on the Brunelleschi Pass, with a named, timed slot
Giotto's bell tower is a cheaper climb with nearly the same view
463 steps and narrow passages: not for the claustrophobic

Type: Landmark
Where: Florence
Time needed: 1 hour for the cathedral, half a day with the dome and monuments
Admission: cathedral free; dome climb from about €30 (2026), book a slot

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, known simply as the Duomo, dominates the skyline of Florence. Work began in 1296, but for decades no one knew how to roof the vast octagonal crossing. In 1420 Filippo Brunelleschi began building a double-shelled brick dome without the usual timber scaffolding, finishing it in 1436. Nearly six centuries on, it is still the largest masonry dome in the world.

What you'll see

The cathedral is just one part of the Piazza del Duomo complex:

Cathedral: the striped marble facade in white, green and pink dates from the 19th century. Inside, the nave is surprisingly austere, but look up at Vasari and Zuccari's Last Judgement frescoed inside the dome.
Brunelleschi's Dome: the climb takes you between the inner and outer shells, along a gallery right under the frescoes, and out onto a terrace with views across the whole city.
Giotto's Bell Tower: 414 steps to a terrace with the best view of the dome itself.
Baptistery of San Giovanni: famous for Ghiberti's gilded bronze "Gates of Paradise". Its vault mosaics are under restoration and currently not visible.
Opera del Duomo Museum: the original Gates of Paradise and Michelangelo's late Pietà.
Santa Reparata: the remains of the earlier church beneath the cathedral.

Tickets and opening hours

Entry to the cathedral nave is free, with no ticket or booking needed, but expect a queue outside in high season. It is closed to visitors on Sundays and during religious celebrations. Everything else is sold as one of three passes, each valid for three days:

Brunelleschi Pass: €30 in 2026. The only way to climb the dome, plus the bell tower, baptistery, museum and Santa Reparata. The dome slot is named and fixed to the first day.
Giotto Pass: €20. Bell tower (with a time slot), baptistery, museum and Santa Reparata.
Ghiberti Pass: €15. Baptistery, museum and Santa Reparata.

Children aged 7-14 pay reduced prices and under-7s are free. The dome is usually open from 8.15am to 6.45pm on weekdays, closing earlier on Saturdays and opening only in the afternoon on Sundays. Buy only from the official Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore ticket site, and check current prices and hours before you go.

Dome slots often sell out days or even weeks ahead in summer. If you can't get one, the Giotto Pass gives you a climb with the dome itself in the view, which many people prefer.

Climbing the dome

It's 463 steps with no lift, and parts are steep, narrow and two-way. It isn't recommended for anyone with heart problems, mobility issues or claustrophobia. Arrive at the Porta della Mandorla on the north side of the cathedral about 15 minutes before your slot, with ID matching the name on your ticket.

Planning your visit

Visit the free cathedral early on a weekday to avoid the queue, then do the dome or bell tower when the light is best in the late afternoon. The Uffizi Gallery is a five-minute walk away. See Florence in 2 days for a full plan, and our Italy guide for more ideas.

Where is Florence Duomo?

Open in OpenStreetMap · 43.77306, 11.25694

Frequently asked questions

Is Florence Cathedral free to visit?

Yes, the cathedral nave is free. You pay only for the dome, bell tower, baptistery, museum and crypt.

Is there a dress code?

Yes. Shoulders and knees should be covered, and hats removed inside.

Dome or bell tower: which climb is better?

The dome is the more extraordinary experience, as you walk inside Brunelleschi's structure. The bell tower is slightly shorter, easier to book, and gives you the dome in your photos.

How long does the dome climb take?

Allow 45 minutes to an hour, including time at the top.

Written by

Emma City breaks & deals editor

Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.