Florence Cathedral

Il Duomo di Firenze (Florence Cathedral) and its enormous dome and tall Campanile dominate the city’s outline. Both buildings are located very near the Battistero di San Giovanni (Florence Baptistery) in the Piazza del Duomo. The Cathedral is officially called Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore.

The construction of the Cathedral began in 1296, over two centuries after the cathedrals of nearby cities like Pisa and Lucca were built. The temple was completed 72 years later, in 1368. The architect of the Florence Cathedral was Arnolfo di Cambio.

The dimensions of the church make it one of the largest Christian temples in the world. It is 525 ft (160 metres) long, 141 ft (43 m) wide and its transverse aisle is 300 ft (90 m) long. The dome is over 328 ft (100 m) tall.

Near the main entrance is a small descent leading to a crypt, where visitors can see the resting place of Brunelleschi, renowned Italian designer and architect who is responsible for the structure’s dome. The tomb was discovered in the mid-twentieth century.

The Cathedral Dome

Nearly a century after the Cathedral was finished, Filippo Brunelleschi was commissioned to build the temple’s dome. It stands 374 ft (114 m) tall and is 45 metres in diameter. It was the architect’s biggest challenge and took him over 14 years to complete.

The inside of the dome was decorated by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari. The various scenes were painted between 1568 and 1579 and represent the Last Judgement. It is one of the most impressive paintings we have ever seen. Absolutely remarkable.

Climbing to the top of the Dome

The excitement is palpable climbing to the top of the dome. The 463 steps that separate the highest point of the dome and the bottom floor are all completely different, and you will need to be a little adventurous to climb them. The last part of the ascent is the most difficult, with extremely narrow and dark corridors.

If you want to enjoy the same breath-taking views of the city, but would rather climb something a little easier, we recommend scaling the Campanile de Giotto. The only drawback is that you won’t be able to enjoy Brunelleschi’s masterpiece, which in our opinion is a great shame.

Both the entrance door and the opening hours to go up to the dome are different from those of the cathedral. The dome is open daily from 8:15 am to 6:45 pm (on Saturdays until 4:30 pm). On Sundays and public holidays from 12:45 pm to 4:30 pm (some Sundays it may close at 1:30 pm).

Warning

Note that you need to wear something that covers your shoulders to visit the Duomo. You will not be allowed in if you are wearing sleeveless t-shirts or dresses, or excessively short shorts.