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Florence Cathedral

ArchitectureArtHistoryClosed todayFree

Florence's cathedral is one of those buildings that stops you in your tracks no matter how many times you see it. The facade is a riot of pink, white, and green marble that somehow manages to be both overwhelming and perfectly harmonious. It took nearly six centuries to complete — construction started in 1296 under Arnolfo di Cambio, and the current neo-Gothic facade wasn't finished until 1887. Inside, the scale hits you: it was the largest church in the world when completed, and still ranks among the largest. The interior is more austere than you might expect given the exterior's exuberance, but that makes the moments of brilliance stand out more — particularly Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari's massive Last Judgment fresco on the dome interior, visible from the nave floor. The cathedral also houses Paolo Uccello's famous clock face and Domenico di Michelino's painting of Dante with his Divine Comedy. What makes the Duomo special beyond the art is its role as the gravitational center of Florence. Everything in the city radiates outward from this piazza. Entry is free, which means the crowd flow is constant — arrive early or late in the day if you want a calmer experience.

Plan Your Visit

Hours

MonClosed
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SunTodayClosed

Address

Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

Admission

Free

Cathedral entry is free. Duomo complex passes (Baptistery, Bell Tower, Museum, Crypt, Dome) range from €15-€30.

Visitor Information

Is Florence Cathedral free to visit?
Yes, general admission to Florence Cathedral is free. Cathedral entry is free. Duomo complex passes (Baptistery, Bell Tower, Museum, Crypt, Dome) range from €15-€30.. Some special exhibitions may charge a separate ticket, so check the museum's website before visiting.
What are the opening hours of Florence Cathedral?
Florence Cathedral is open Mon-Sat 10:15-15:45. Closed to tourists on Sundays (worship only).. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.
Where is Florence Cathedral?
Florence Cathedral is located at Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy, in the Centro Storico area of Florence.
What can I see at Florence Cathedral?
Florence's magnificent Gothic-Renaissance cathedral, free to enter, with its iconic marble facade and Vasari's Last Judgment fresco inside the world's largest masonry dome.
Do I need to book Florence Cathedral in advance?
Florence Cathedral is free to enter and most days you can walk in. Cathedral entry is free. Duomo complex passes (Baptistery, Bell Tower, Museum, Crypt, Dome) range from €15-€30.. For special exhibitions, weekends, and school holidays, booking a timed slot can help you skip queues. Check the museum's website for current requirements.
When is the best time to visit Florence Cathedral?
Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.

Gary Campbell-Hall (CC BY 2.0)

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