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Florence—the sun-drenched city of terracotta roofs in Tuscany—is defined by a massive orange dome you can spot from nearly anywhere. That dome tops Santa Maria del Fiore, the Cathedral of the Flower, better known as the Florence Duomo.
Hailed as a high point of Renaissance architecture, the Duomo is more than a building; its real magic comes when you walk through its layers of history. And here’s the thing: it’s not just a single church.
Brunelleschi’s dome
The Duomo’s showstopper is its enormous cupola. In the 15th century, Filippo Brunelleschi accomplished the near-miracle of building that dome without external supports. Climb the 463 narrow, steep steps to the top and Florence’s red roofs fan out beneath you like a sea.
Standing where the two leads reunited in the film Between Calm and Passion, feeling the breeze, and looking out over the city is one of those unforgettable travel moments. Be mindful, though: the climb can be hot and physically demanding, and the stairs are tight—so pace yourself, especially if you’re with older family members. The view from the top, however, makes every step worth it.
The Duomo from Giotto’s bell tower
Ironically, one of the best ways to appreciate the Duomo is to step away from the dome itself. Climb Giotto’s bell tower, which stands next to the cathedral, to face the cupola up close and head-on.
The cathedral’s facade—clad in white, green, and pink marble—glints in the sun like a finely crafted jewelry box. The bell tower involves 414 steps, too, but there are more landing spots to catch your breath, so many visitors find it a gentler climb than the cupola.
If you want a close look at the Last Judgment frescoes, choose the cupola; if you’re after the full exterior and sweeping city views, opt for the bell tower.
Duomo pass options
The crucial detail is how entry works. The cathedral itself is free to enter during opening hours, but access to the dome, the bell tower, the baptistery, the museum, and Santa Reparata requires a pass.
The official site currently offers three main passes. The Brunelleschi Pass covers all areas, including the dome. The Giotto Pass centers on the bell tower and excludes the dome. The Ghiberti Pass focuses on the baptistery, the museum, and Santa Reparata.
According to the official site, prices are €30 (approximately $32.10) for the Brunelleschi Pass, €20 (approximately $21.40) for the Giotto Pass, and €15 (approximately $16.05) for the Ghiberti Pass. If your trip is short and views are a priority, the Brunelleschi Pass gives the biggest payoff; if climbing stairs is a worry, you can skip the dome.
Official booking process
For the safest experience, book Duomo tickets through the official ticket site: choose a date, pick a pass, pay, and receive a mobile ticket. Note that the Brunelleschi Pass requires you to select a specific date and time for dome entry; from that chosen date you’ll have access to the other included sites for three days. Many other areas allow entry within that same three-day window without separate time slots.
The official policy states that tickets cannot be changed or canceled after issuance, so don’t book if your plans are still shaky. Enter names accurately—staff may check your reservation details and ID on site.
(※Photo credit: ⓒDesigned by Freepik)
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