The Cathedral and its dome by Filippo Brunelleschi
The Florence Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower (Italian: Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore) is the Cathedral of Florence. It houses beautiful paintings, born from the creative genius of Andrea del Castagno, Paolo Uccello and Domenico Michelino, but it is certainly the “Last Judgment” that Vasari painted under the dome the real flagship, a work that will not be missing. to leave you breathless. A visit to the Cathedral actually consists of 6 separate sights: the cathedral, the dome, the baptistry, the bell tower, the crypt, and the cathedral museum. The inside of the cathedral is free to visit, for all other sights of the cathedral it is necessary to separate book tickets.
The best time for your visit to the Cathedral is early in the morning as it opens. We recommend that you book your tickets online and in advance to avoid long lines, especially in the afternoon. If you are planning to climb the Dome (463 steps) then make sure to double-check the timeslot you have booked for that part of your visit. All the other areas can be visited flexibly during the day, but there is no guarantee you will be able to climb the Dome if you are late for your slot. Tickets are valid for 72 hours from the first entry.
The Cathedral and the Baptistery are places of worship so they require an appropriate dress code: your shoulders must be covered and skirts and shorts should reach below the knee. Large backpacks and big items should also be left at the cloakroom before entering the Cathedral.
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What is the Cathedral?
The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower is Florence Cathedral. It was realized in the Gothic style to a design of Arnolfo di Cambio. The dome was engineered by Filippo Brunelleschi.
When was the Cathedral built?
The construction of the Cathedral began in 1296 and the Cathedral was completed in 1436.
What does the facade of the Cathedral look like?
The exterior of the Cathedral is faced with polychrome marble panels in various shades of green and pink, bordered by white, and has an elaborate 19th-century Gothic Revival façade by Emilio De Fabris.
Who is buried in the Cathedral?
Many illustrious Italians of the past are buried there including: Foscolo, Galilei, Michelangelo, Rossini, Alfieri…
Why is Brunelleschi’s dome famous?
The dome of the Cathedral was built in just 16 years by Filippo Brunelleschi. It represents the ingeniousness of man and the Reinassance. It is still the largest masonry dome in the world today with its 45.5 meters of internal diameter and its height of 116 meters from the ground. It peculiarity is to be self-supporting and without armor.
General informations
Useful information for your visit to the Cathedral.
Location.
The cathedral complex, in Piazza del Duomo, includes the Baptistery and Giotto’s Campanile. These three buildings are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site covering the historic centre of Florence and are a major tourist attraction of Tuscany.
Opening hours
To visit the Cathedral the times are as follows:
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday: 10 am – 5 pm
Thursday: 10 am – 3:30 pm (depends on the month)
Saturday: 10 am – 4:45 pm
Sunday and public holidays: 1:30 pm – 4:45 pm
The different areas of Florence Cathedral have different opening hours which vary throughout the year. In general, the cathedral and crypt are open from 10 am, the baptistry and bell tower are open from 8.15 am, the dome is open from 8.30 am, and the museum is open from 9 am. The museum, bell tower, dome, and baptistry generally also close later than the cathedral. The cathedral may be closed for services and special events throughout the year, the crypt is closed every Sunday, and the museum is closed on the first Tuesday of every month. During the high tourist season, entry to the Dome may be restricted for reasons of safety and security.
How to get to the Cathedral
To reach the Cathedral:
Buses: 6, 11, 14, 23, C1, C2.
Tram: Alamanni, T1.
Attractions nearby
- Campanile di Giotto, Florence (54 m)
- Piazza del Duomo (61 m)
- Battistero di San Giovanni, Florence (84 m)
- Museo dell’Opera del Duomo (135 m)
- Museo Nazionale del Bargello (331 m)
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