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Florence Cathedral

Piazza del Duomo, Firenze, Toscana

Description

Florence Cathedral is a 13th-century catholic church built in Gothic style; it was formerly called Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore. The monument is an icon of the city skyline alongside its bell tower (Campanile di Giotto) and is famous for the alternating horizontal and vertical bands of green (Prato), white (Carrara), and pink (Sienna) marble panels. Its proportions are enormous, in particular that of its dome, one of the tallest in the world at 115m. The façade was revamped in the late 19th century and the interior is relatively devoid of decoration, except notably for stained glass windows and the frescoed dome (The Last Judgement by Vasari and Zuccari).

Access & Transport

The cathedral is on Piazza del Duomo, in the center of the historical district. Buses C1 and C2 stop there.

Instructions & Recommendations

The Cathedral is closed on Sundays for worship services. The Dome has different opening hours and a ticket is required. Access is via stairs with over 400 steps.

Meta review

The #1 sight in Florence for any travel guide and a favourite of online reviewers who describe it as stunning with its 'luminous' and colourful exterior. The interior is a little disappointing for some though the cupola fresco is a real masterpiece. The main drawback are the long lines to get in. Tip: make sure not to get in the wrong line as the Cathedral and the Dome have 2 separate queues.

Environmental & Social

Environmentally neutral. This historic building is part of the city's cultural and architectural heritages

Conclusion

An unmissable landmark that every traveller should discover at the very least from the outside. The interior might not be of the same calibre but the façade and colour scheme is trademark Firenze.

Key positive

Original exterior design

Stunning dome dimensions

Key negative

Not that much to see inside

Can be crowded

Suitability

Suitable for all ages and no religious denomination restrictions. Accessible for visitors with reduced mobility (not the Dome)

About this Rating

TYPE

Onsite

RESEARCHED IN

June 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Those opening hours are for the Cathedral. They are different for the Dome

av. transport time:0h 15m

est. visit time:1h 15m

Regulated hours

Monday10:15 - 15:45

Tuesday10:15 - 15:45

Wednesday10:15 - 15:45

Thursday10:15 - 15:45

Friday10:15 - 15:45

Saturday10:15 - 15:45

Sunday -

Pricing
Free admission to the cathedral but not to the dome
Free

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