Florence Duomo (Cattedrale di Santa Maria dei Fiori)

A visit to the Duomo, which was completed in the 15th century, is essential for understanding Florence and the Renaissance. Tickets to the complex include access to the dome, baptistery, bell tower, crypt, and museum, and are valid for 48 hours from use. As entry to the cathedral is free, there are often long lines. Many visitors opt to join guided Florence Duomo tours to explore the more hidden corners of the landmark—and to skip the lines. Audio guides are also available.

• The cathedral is open beginning in the morning most days, but is closed for Sunday morning service and on major holidays; the museum is closed the first Tuesday of each month.

• Dress modestly. For women, it’s best to cover knees and shoulders (a scarf will do). Sandals, sunglasses, and hats are discouraged.

• It's more than 400 steps to the top of architect Filippo Brunelleschi’s dome, so proper footwear and fitness level are recommended. There is no elevator.

• Entry tickets can be purchased at the Duomo, but expect lines. You can also purchase tickets in advance, or access the complex through a guided tour.

The Duomo is in the very center of Florence, less than a 10-minute walk from the train station. It's also near the must-see Uffizi Galleries (Gallerie degli Uffizi), so the two are often seen together. Independent travelers and guided tours alike often stop at the Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell'Accademia) as well, where Michelangelo’s David resides.

The museum is closed on the first Tuesday of each month. Crowds are unavoidable, but early mornings and late afternoons are quieter, especially outside of the busy summer months (May through September).

The pink, white, and green marble facade of the Duomo is a sight in itself, but the real can’t-miss views are from the top of the cupola. Climbers are rewarded with an unforgettable vista of Florence’s red-roofed skyline, the Arno River, and the rolling hills beyond. There are panoramic views from atop Giotto’s Campanile, as well. Back on ground level, admire the famous stained glass and frescoes that line the cathedral’s interior.

Yes, the cathedral itself is free to enter, but you’ll need to buy an admission ticket for everything else. All ticket types grant you access to the museum, baptistery, and Santa Reparata; the Giotto Pass also includes entry to the Bell Tower; and the Brunelleschi Pass includes entry to everything plus the Bell Tower and Brunelleschi’s Dome.

Yes, tickets to Florence Duomo do sell out—if you try to buy tickets on the day, you might be turned away. Instead, opt to buy your passes online through the cathedral’s website or book a tour that includes access to various parts of the complex.

No, not all tickets to Florence Duomo include access to Brunelleschi’s Dome. If you want to visit the dome, you’ll need to buy a Brunelleschi Pass—a combo ticket that grants you admission to the Bell Tower, the museum, the baptistery, and Santa Reparata.

The best time to visit Florence Duomo is first thing in the morning or at the end of the day, particularly if you want to avoid crowds and long lines. For the best photos, head up to the top of Brunelleschi’s Dome just before sunset.

Yes, the Florence Duomo is worth it. It’s one of the most important historic sites in Florence and the complex is filled with expertly-restored art and architecture. Plus, if you make the climb up to the top of Brunelleschi’s Dome, you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous views of the cityscape.

Yes, there are three different types of Florence Duomo tickets. The Ghiberti Pass grants you access to the Baptistery, the Opera del Duomo Museum, and Santa Reparata. The Giotto Pass includes everything that the Ghiberti Pass covers, plus the Bell Tower. The Brunelleschi Pass includes access to the entire complex, including Brunelleschi’s Dome.