Brunelleschi's dome image

Brunelleschi's dome

Tourist attraction Historical landmark

One of the Best Places To Visits in Florence


Address

Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

Website

www.ilgrandemuseodelduomo.it

Contact

+39 055 230 2885

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (8.8K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 8 am to 7 pm
  • Saturday: 8 am to 4:30 pm
  • Sunday: 12:30 to 4:30 pm
  • Monday: 8 am to 7 pm
  • Tuesday: 8 am to 7 pm
  • Wednesday: 8 am to 7 pm
  • Thursday: 8 am to 7 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: dome (24) climb (19) worth (16) view (16) stairs (14) steps (13) recommend (13) time (12) cathedral (12) views (11)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Jaye Aster B. 1 year ago on Google
    Definitely buy your tickets in advance. I waited until 3-weeks before and then felt that I didn’t have the best choice of time slots with the Brunelleschi pass. Once we had our time slot, we waited about 10 minutes before being led inside. The total timed visit was about an hour. It’s cool to walk in between the domes. Most of the steps were easy to climb with some vented windows for air circulation in the building. Watch out, if you are 6 feet tall or taller you might touch the ceiling. The lookout at the top is great.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Trond S. 2 years ago on Google
    A 130 years in the making, and four million bricks later this structure was finished in 1436. A tour up costs you 20 Euros but its worth it! Breathtaking views over the entire city is priceless. Also you can study the ancient techniques of building. A double structure with crossbeams and eight main rafters that carries the main load of 40 000 tons can be studied in depth. Strangely its one of the most solid structures in nature-its actually inspired by the shape of eggs!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alex L. 2 years ago on Google
    The stairs are a bit demanding but the payoff is absolutely worth it. Firenze from the top of the Duomo is like no other city, it just feels like a golden tapestry surrounded by mountains. Because there are no tall buildings in the city center, it is easy to identify all the spots around town and enjoy their beauty from a different angle. There are some benches to rest if one is tired from the climbing but just looking at the views should give the visitor enough energy to spend some 30 minutes taking pictures. Also, during the climb itself, do not miss the chance to take pictures of status and frescos, as well as look at the nave of the cathedral at the bottom.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ella C. 10 months ago on Google
    You absolutely must see it. The climb wasn't too bad and we had a 70 year old person with us. Just take it slow. It gets pretty steep around the dome itself, so older people might need help. Seeing the inside of the dome up close is amazing 😍 seeing the city from the top is breathtaking. Because you purchase a certain time slot it's not too crowded and you get enough time on top to take pictures on all sides.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Isaac R. 1 year ago on Google
    Up 463 steps, down 463 steps. It is rather confusing as you need a different ticket to get to the cupola then the one that gets you into the cathedral even though they are in the same building. Just a few notes: 1. I would recommend buying your tickets ahead of time. 2. The entrance to the cupola is on the other side of the building (left of the cathedral from the front). 3. I would only do it if you are physically fit. 4. Don't do it if you have a fear of heights. On the way up, you will get to see the murals on the dome/look down into the church, and an unbeatable view of Florence.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Janina M. 1 year ago on Google
    A beautiful view from the top of the dome. What a stunning architectural story behind it. The way up is definitely worth the over 400 steps. There is no lift so consider this when making your way up. Only down point is that the access is time limited which can cause that you can't take as much time on the top as you would like to.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Elizabeth S. 2 years ago on Google
    The exterior is beautiful alone. However, even though it was rainy during our visit we still enjoyed the phenomenal views from the top of the dome best. The stairs to the top are no joke and pretty steep the last stretch, but totally worth it.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 공과장 (Manager K. 2 months ago on Google • 1436 reviews New
    The dome will leave you in some awe. Because climbing the dome, you will see and realise that the wall paintings that seemed small when viewed from a distance are enormous. Although the steps are steep and narrow, it’s worthwhile to give it a visit.

  • 5/5 Caroline S. 10 months ago on Google
    Great walk, great view! Very much recommend! Honestly, I recommend visiting when the church is closed. The line for the cathedral can be very long (!), and the church is not really worth that - but if you visit the dome afternoon/morning you get to see the church with no people. You can enjoy all much more to your self - the floor, the calm, and everything. No need for the long line to visit the cathedral on its own.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Julien T. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely incredible experience. I could not help myself but think of what it would’ve been like to experience this as a person in the Quattrocento. It definitely captures a bit of divinity. Which makes it even more astonishing that it was built only by human minds and heads. A place that encourages introspection as well as provides an amazing view. Also I must say I found the steps so easy to climb! Don’t be discouraged by their number, you may find yourself in the same situation as me and breeze through them:)
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael B. 2 years ago on Google
    This is the most iconic dome in the world. Period. Seeing it in person is beyond amazing. The walk to the top is tough but entirely worth it. Be prepared for windy stairs, the straight stairs, then an amazing view, the steep stairs, then STEEP stairs, and then the top. Get to the entrance as early as possible or you could be waiting hours just to start. It's a narrow long climb but what a gorgeous place to be stuck inside.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alex I. 4 months ago on Google • 84 reviews
    Ascending Brunelleschi's Dome in Florence was a transcendental journey through the annals of Renaissance genius. As I traversed the hallowed path of Filippo Brunelleschi's architectural triumph, I couldn't help but marvel at the audacity of his dome, a masterpiece that defied convention. Each step echoed with the whispers of history, revealing the unparalleled engineering prowess behind this iconic structure. The panoramic spectacle from the Skywalk atop the dome was a revelation, a canvas where Florence's artistic tapestry unfolded beneath the Tuscan sun. Overlooking Giotto's Campanile and the Baptistery, I stood as if an expert in Renaissance art, absorbing the legacy of Brunelleschi's vision. Participating in this Skywalk was not just an excursion; it was a communion with the spirit of the Renaissance, a profound gratitude for being part of Florence's architectural saga. A peerless experience for those seeking to ascend the zenith of Renaissance ingenuity.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mikell J. 6 months ago on Google • 75 reviews
    The dome is worth doing... I have done it on more than one trip since it's such an iconic view and the inside of the dome is a spectacle all on its own! Amazing art of demons and angles and humans in-between is always fun! It's a lot of steps though so I only recommend it if you are fit enough and don't have health problems that could make it too difficult for you. Small kids might struggle and it will be hard to carry them in the upper innards of the dome. Get your tickets in advance. There are long lines without them even if it's not peak season.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Zack H. 8 months ago on Google
    Wow! Gorgeous! Do yourself a favor and get the tickets that let you climb it. It is NOT handicapable accessible, or for people who can't climb 10 stories of weird tiny steep stairs. In the summer prepare for it to be hot, and also prepare to make friends with the people you get stuck on the stairs with. Absolutely worth it though!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jøran I. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing place to visit, the experience of walking in another time is undescribable. The view from the top was also spectacular. Can recommend taking a guided tour, as it can be a long wait getting inside. Also book tickets in good advance as it gets sold out quickly. 3-4 days. The stairs was climbed in a timely manner (20-30 minutes) And be prepared that it will be hot if it's on a hot day.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 DeeJay C. 1 year ago on Google
    Great experience while visiting the city. The stairs seem never ending but going down is much easier. The breeze at the top is nice as well as the view. They are missing hand sanitizer and the railings are sticky, however.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Matthew S. 5 months ago on Google • 198 reviews
    An amazing experience and view of the dome. We are in shape, walking 5 to 12 kilometers daily and those stairs were a serious challenge. Not for the weak of heart! Dome is beautiful.

  • 5/5 Зорница �. 4 months ago on Google • 152 reviews
    It' s worth to climb the 400+stairs. Dome is very beautiful. From the terrace you have a panoramic view of the whole city. Get Brunelleschi's pass.

  • 4/5 Benjamin A. 4 months ago on Google • 123 reviews
    If you are overweight or out of shape don't go to the top of the Dome. It's over 450 steps to the top. Amazing views once you get up there. Small narrow stairways to get up. Buy your tickets online in advance. You can NOT Take backpacks or bags to the top. There is a place you can check your bag located behind the Basilica. Takes around 30 minutes to climb to the top (depending on people in front of you). I recommend the Dome over the tower.

  • 5/5 Yenn Fang L. 6 months ago on Google • 121 reviews
    Fantastic view, but do consider twice if you're afraid of heights and crammed spaces. I recommend you to buy the Brunelleschi 3-day pass for the crypt, cathedral (free) Giotto's bell tower, and the Brunelleschi's dome

  • 5/5 cristiana b. 4 months ago on Google • 28 reviews
    A long way up, but it is worth it. It really is not recommended for people with heart diseases because it is pretty difficult to climb it. The cupola is so nice, the painting is just amazing and then you get to the next floor outside, on top of the dome. The view is incredible. You won’t feel the pain anymore😂

  • 5/5 anushika b. 4 months ago on Google • 28 reviews
    A mist see architectural wonder when in florence. The entry to the cathedral is free of charge. The museum in the basement, the climb up the brunelleschi’s dome and bell tower are charged and it is advisable to have bought the tickets before hand to avoid unavailability and long queues at the last moment.

  • 5/5 Raluca 11 months ago on Google
    This is really worth visiting! The view is amazing and the stairs are not that many, and you have to stop at times to wait. So really recommend. An extra plus is the climb ends inside the cathedral so you skip the endless waiting line outside.

  • 5/5 Eleanor M. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing views, so worth the money. Highly recommend booking in advance for an early slot, as it's less crowded and you won't be hurried along. It wasn't as difficult to climb as expected, as the steps are wider and less steep than many old constructions like this. I would do it again in a heartbeat!

  • 5/5 Lynn H. 1 year ago on Google
    The doom is part of a Brunelleschi Pass which costs €30. The pass can be purchased online. It contains access to the doom, cathedral, Baptistery of San Giovanni, Giotto's Bell Tower, Opera del Duomo Museum and the ancient crypt of Santa Reparata. It can get very busy. You need to book a timeslot for the doom in advance which reduces the waiting time. Without a timeslot you will be turned away from the doom. When entering the doom you will go through a xray machine. There is one way up the doom and one way down. You will climb approximately 430 steps. You need to be fit. You will visit several levels. There is a plastic screen around each level to stop you falling over the edge. Well worth the climb as you get to see the doom and frescoes at close and the detail. The doom is part of the cathedral but in order to see the cathedral you need to leave the doom and queue for the cathedral. The doom is open from 8:15 to 19:00pm

  • 5/5 Dan W. 9 months ago on Google
    This is one of the highlights of the city of Florence. You must buy a ticket in advance as the visits are restricted to set times. The climb is relatively arduous but is worth it to see the famous frescos of the last judgement from the inside of the dome. You get to climb to the very top of the dome to see truly stunning panoramic views of the city.

  • 5/5 James 7 months ago on Google
    You absolutely MUST climb the dome. Book in advance as it gets booked up fast but it is well worth doing. One of the best things we did in Florence. Beautiful views but not for the faint hearted (many many stairs!!)

  • 5/5 Nikolay N. 4 months ago on Google • 24 reviews
    The dome is huge and imposing. The way up is relatively long - 436 steps and through quite narrow spaces. So anyone who is out of shape and afraid of heights should keep it in mind :) However, the views from outside and inside are worth it - a complete view of the wonderful city and the amazingly painted interior of the dome. I recommend going up early in the morning or at sunset for more beautiful views of the city.

  • 5/5 Steven R. 1 year ago on Google
    Truly amazing views of the entire city of Firenze, and the view inside of the Cupola itself is the best there is. A must-visit. You really must buy tickets in advance - for me, two days ahead of time, and there were barely any left at that point. I'd plan on buying them well ahead of time. You also don't have a ton of time inside. You will be told continually to keep moving, both on the way up and the way down. You'll have to be very quick with any photos you take inside the dome, and need to be in pretty good shape to go up the 463 steps to the top- careful, they're very steep. Once on the terrace, you'll have about 10-15 minutes before being ushered back downstairs.

  • 3/5 Peter K. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a magnificent Catholic Cathedral. If you are trying to go to mass there, there is a door on the right-hand side where you can tell the guard what you are doing. I added a photo of the mass times. However, they will probably change, and I recommend you looking for yourself to make sure you get them right.

  • 5/5 Brisippus 2 years ago on Google
    My favorite part of Florence, despite the steep climb to the top. Luckily it’s a little chilly so we didn’t have to fight the heat, but 460+ steps at such inclines can take it out of you, so I definitely recommend eating something light before going at it. The paintings inside are wonderful, but the real treat is the view from the top. We went in the first morning group (tickets are €20 each) and the views/sunrise was spectacular. 100% recommend


Call +39 055 230 2885 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible car park

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