Opera magazine
2025-05-09
Guide to visiting the Piazza del Duomo Monumental Complex in Florence
The guide to visiting the Piazza del Duomo and Florence Cathedral Complex: all the things you must know
Piazza del Duomo represents the heart of Florence, a site of extraordinary historical, artistic and religious significance that attracts millions of visitors from around the world. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the square encompasses some of the most celebrated masterpieces of Renaissance architecture and art. This guide provides comprehensive and practical information for planning your visit to the monumental complex, with a focus on the different ticket options available and other essential details for the best experience. Given the large influx of visitors, it is essential to plan your visit in advance to avoid queues and ensure access to the monuments. It is important to note that entry to the Cathedral is always free, while a ticket is required to visit the other monuments.
1. Ticket Options for Piazza del Duomo Complex
Access to most of the monuments located in Piazza del Duomo, with the exception of the Cathedral, requires the purchase of one of the 3 passes offered by the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore. These Passes are valid for 3 calendar days from the date selected at the time of purchase, offering flexibility in planning visits to the various monuments. The 3 types of passes available are: Brunelleschi Pass, Giotto Pass, and Ghiberti Pass, each of which allows access to a specific combination of monuments within the complex.
2. Table of Tickets
The following table provides a comparative overview of the main features of each type of pass, to facilitate the choice of the most suitable ticket for your needs.
| Ticket Name | Adult Price | Child Price (7-14 years) | Monuments Included | Validity Period | Time Slot Reservation Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brunelleschi Pass | €30 | €12 |
|
3 calendar days from the selected date | Yes, only for the Dome |
| Giotto Pass | €20 | €7 |
|
3 calendar days from the selected date | Yes, only for the Bell Tower |
| Ghiberti Pass | €15 | €5 |
|
3 calendar days from the selected date | Yes, only for Santa Reparata |
It is advisable to consult the official webshop (tickets.duomo.firenze.it) for any reductions or free admissions (0-6 years and others) provided for specific categories of visitors.
3. Detailed Information for Each Monument in the Complex
3.1. Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo): Access to the Cathedral is free for all visitors. Opening hours are from 10:15 AM to 3:45 PM, Monday to Saturday, but it is essential to verify the exact hours on our website, as they vary during religious events. To enter the Cathedral, appropriate attire is required for a sacred place: shoulders and knees must be covered for everyone, hats are not allowed, and appropriate footwear are recommended. People with mobility difficulties can access the Cathedral using the "Porta dei Canonici" (same access for worship) on the right side, and a wheelchair rental service is available at the entrance. It is important to note that the Cathedral is closed to visitors on Sundays and during religious celebrations.
3.2. Brunelleschi's Dome:
Climbing Brunelleschi's Dome is only possible by purchasing the Brunelleschi Pass and making a mandatory timed booking when purchasing the pass. Opening hours are from 8:15 AM to 6:45 PM, Monday to Friday, with reduced hours on Saturday (8:15AM-4:30PM) and Sunday and religious holidays (12:45PM-4:30PM). The ascent to the Dome involves climbing 463 steps, and there is no elevator; the visit is not recommended for people with heart problems, vertigo, claustrophobia, and pregnant women. For the climb to the Dome, it is mandatory to deposit medium and large-sized bags, backpacks, and suitcases at the luggage storage located in Piazza Duomo 38/r, a free service provided to visitors. Starting from March 1, 2025, new rules for accessing the Dome have come into effect: the Brunelleschi Pass is nominative, and when purchasing online, it is mandatory to indicate the name, surname and nationality of the visitors. Access is via 'Porta della Mandorla' (North side of the Cathedral), arriving in line 10 minutes before the booked time, with a maximum delay of 5 minutes allowed.
3.3. Giotto's Bell Tower:
Climbing Giotto's Bell Tower is included in both the Brunelleschi Pass and the Giotto Pass. Giotto Pass holders must access at the time slot chosen at the time of purchase to climb the Bell Tower, while Brunelleschi Pass holders can access it within the 3-day validity of the ticket without a timed booking. Opening hours are from 8:15 AM to 6:45 PM every day. The climb involves 414 steps without an elevator and is not recommended for people with heart problems, vertigo, or claustrophobia. Luggage must also be deposited for the climb to the Bell Tower at the storage in Piazza Duomo 38/r. Giotto Pass holders must respect the booked entrance time for the Bell Tower. The booking is not modifiable or cancellable.
3.4. Baptistery of San Giovanni:
Access to the Baptistery is included in all three passes: Brunelleschi, Giotto, and Ghiberti. Opening hours are from 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM every day. The Baptistery may close early on the first Sunday of the month (1:30pm). Please note that major restoration work is underway on the mosaic vault, which is currently not visible. The Baptistery is fully accessible to people with motor disabilities via a ramp at the entrance. The Baptistery represents an ancient religious and civil center of Florence, holding significant historical importance.
3.5. Opera del Duomo Museum:
Access to the Opera del Duomo Museum is included in all the passes. Opening hours are from 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM every day, with closure scheduled every first Tuesday of the month for maintenance work. The Museum is highly accessible, equipped with ramps and elevators that allow access to all three floors and the panoramic terrace. Wheelchairs are available at the entrance. A tactile path ("TouchAble") has been set up for visually impaired visitors. The Museum houses invaluable masterpieces, including the original Gates of Paradise by Ghiberti, Mary Magdalene by Donatello and Michelangelo's Pietà Bandini.
3.6. Ancient Basilica of Santa Reparata (Crypt):
Access to the ancient Basilica of Santa Reparata, located in the underground of the Cathedral, is included in all 3 passes. Opening hours are from 10:15 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday to Saturday; on Sundays and religious holidays from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM. Closures may occur for religious events. Access to Santa Reparata is from inside the Cathedral via a short flight of stairs in the right aisle (no elevators). The floor is uneven, and some parts are at different heights. The site preserves the remains of the ancient basilica that stood before the current Duomo, offering a precious testimony of the early Christian history of Florence. Holders of Ghiberti Pass are obliged to book a time-slot to access Santa Reparata.
4. Essential Information for Visitors to Piazza Duomo
4.1. Opening Hours: Please remember that the opening hours of all monuments may vary depending on the day, season, and religious celebrations. It is always advisable to consult the dedicated page on the official website - https://duomo.firenze.it/en/home#times - for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
4.2. Accessibility Information: The Cathedral and the Baptistery are accessible to people with motor disabilities, the Museum is equipped with elevators and tactile paths, while the climb to the Dome and the Bell Tower is not suitable for people with mobility difficulties due to the numerous steps. Access to Santa Reparata is also mainly via stairs. For specific information and assistance, it is advisable to contact the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore directly by email at: accessibilita@duomo.firenze.it.
4.3. Reminder on Dress Code: Please remember the importance of dressing appropriately to visit the Cathedral and the Baptistery, as they are places of worship.
4.4. Tips for Booking Tickets: It is strongly recommended to purchase tickets online in advance through the official webshop of the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore (tickets.duomo.firenze.it) and to beware of unofficial resellers (eg. ''skip the line'' tickets for the Cathedral: misleading offer, the Cathedral is always free without entry ticket).
4.5. Reminder on Rules and Regulations: Please remember the mandatory luggage storage for climbing the Dome and the Bell Tower and enter the monuments, at Piazza Duomo 38/r, the prohibition of bringing medium, large bags and backpacks, the restrictions on the use of flash and selfie sticks or tripods for photography, and the prohibition of bringing animals, food and drinks. For Brunelleschi Pass holders, an ID is required due to the nominative ticket policy.
Visiting the monumental complex of Piazza Duomo in Florence is a unique and unforgettable experience, immersed in the history, art and spirituality of one of the most iconic places in the world. Choosing the ticket that best suits your needs and planning your visit are essential to fully enjoy all the wonders that the square has to offer. With the right preparation, your visit to Piazza Duomo will turn into a precious memory of your trip to Florence.
