Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence: brief historical overview and tips for visiting

The Santa Maria del Fiore Complex — one of the most iconic landmarks in Florence — encompasses not only the renowned cathedral but also several other architectural treasures: the Old Basilica of Santa Reparata, the Baptistery of St. John, the Opera del Duomo Museum, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and Brunelleschi’s Dome. In this post, you'll discover what to see inside the cathedral, where to purchase tickets to explore all parts of the complex, and how to access the two main viewing points — Brunelleschi’s Dome and Giotto’s Bell Tower.

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The full name of the cathedral is The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore). The "flower" in its name symbolises the lily, the emblem of Florence. The cathedral is famed for its massive dome by Brunelleschi, its opulent interior, and the renowned frescoes by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari inside the dome. Construction of Santa Maria del Fiore began in 1296 under the design of architect Arnolfo di Cambio, but it was only completed in 1436 when Brunelleschi installed the iconic dome. Thus, the construction spanned nearly 150 years.

— The Fresco “The Last Judgement” (Giudizio Universale). The central fresco inside the dome, depicting The Last Judgement, was primarily executed by Florentine artist and architect Giorgio Vasari, who began work in 1572 at the request of Grand Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici. However, Vasari passed away in 1574 before completing the fresco, and the task was entrusted to Federico Zuccari, a painter from Rome. Zuccari finished most of the figures and scenes by 1579, adhering to Vasari’s overall concept.

The fresco portrays the Christian vision of the Last Judgement, where the souls of the dead rise to face Christ for their final reckoning—righteous souls ascend to heaven, while the damned are cast into hell. At the centre of the composition stands Christ, surrounded by angels and saints. Beside Him, the Virgin Mary intercedes for the souls of the righteous, and heavenly figures join in the celebration of paradise.

The fresco is arranged in concentric circles descending the inner walls of the dome, creating a multi-layered, dramatic effect. The upper level represents the Kingdom of Heaven, the middle depicts the Ascension and Power of Angels, and the lower illustrates Hell and the Punishment of Sinners. The colour palette is striking, particularly in the depiction of hell, with vivid reds, oranges, and blacks symbolising fire and suffering. Heaven, in contrast, is rendered in softer, more serene tones.

— Paolo Uccello’s Clock. Above the cathedral’s main entrance on the western wall are unique astronomical clocks created by Florentine artist Paolo Uccello in 1443. These Renaissance-era clocks are remarkable for their unusual feature: they display time alla Italiana—using the Italian system where the day begins at sunset rather than at midnight. This method of timekeeping was customary in Florence during the 15th century.

— The Cathedral Façade. The original Gothic-style façade was initiated in 1296 under Arnolfo di Cambio but was left incomplete. Over time, parts of it were dismantled, and the façade remained unfinished for centuries—an unusual state for such a prominent building. It was only in the 19th century that a decision was made to construct a new façade befitting the grandeur of the cathedral.

Architect Emilio De Fabris designed the new façade in the Neo-Gothic style, a popular choice at the time. Work commenced in 1876 and concluded in 1887. The façade, crafted from white, green, and pink marble, is a masterpiece of design: the white marble from Carrara symbolises purity, the green marble from Prato represents hope, and the pink marble from Maremma signifies mercy and love. This tricolour marble composition creates a vivid and unforgettable appearance, making the façade one of the most recognisable in the world.

A staircase inside the cathedral leads to the site of archaeological excavations carried out between 1965 and 1973, where the ancient basilica of Santa Reparata was discovered. Visitors can delve into the history of one of Florence’s earliest Christian churches, which served as a place of worship for over eight centuries, from the early 5th century until its demolition in 1379.

Situated beneath the current cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the remains of the basilica are impressive in scale: 50 metres in length and 25 metres in width. Its stunning mosaic flooring, adorned with geometric patterns and figures, showcases the artistry of the period.

The underground area also features burials from various eras, as well as ancient frescoes and Christian crosses, offering a fascinating glimpse into the spiritual and cultural heritage of early Florence.

The Baptistery of St John stands in front of the entrance to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. It is an ancient religious and civic landmark of Florence and a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. Consecrated in 1059, the baptistery is believed to have been built on the site of an earlier 4th-century structure.

The building has an octagonal shape, measuring 25.6 metres in width, with an apse extension on its western side. Inside, visitors can admire exquisite mosaics from the 13th and 14th centuries, created by Byzantine and Tuscan craftsmen, as well as marble “carpets” on the floor inspired by oriental textiles.

On the exterior, the baptistery boasts its famous bronze doors, known as the Gates of Paradise, crafted by Lorenzo Ghiberti. These doors feature ten scenes from the Old Testament and are celebrated as a pinnacle of Renaissance artistry. Today, a replica adorns the baptistery, while the original masterpiece is preserved in the Opera del Duomo Museum.

Founded in 1891 and extensively renovated in 2015, the Opera del Duomo Museum provides a deeper understanding of each part of the complex and the artists who created the wonders of Santa Maria del Fiore. The museum houses original artworks that adorned the cathedral over seven centuries, showcasing masterpieces by renowned artists such as Michelangelo, Donatello, Brunelleschi, and Ghiberti.

Among its treasures are the original Gates of Paradise by Lorenzo Ghiberti, which were replaced by replicas on the Baptistery. Another highlight is Michelangelo’s Pietà, also known as the Bandini Pietà. This sculpture, created between 1555 and 1564, is one of Michelangelo’s final works, conceived as a tomb monument for himself. Although left unfinished at the time of his death in 1564, it was later completed by his students. Initially placed in the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence, the sculpture was eventually relocated to the Opera del Duomo Museum.

The museum offers a unique opportunity to appreciate these masterpieces up close, providing insights into the artistic and historical legacy of Florence’s iconic cathedral complex.

The cathedral’s bell tower, known as Giotto’s Campanile, is a stunning example of Italian Gothic architecture. With a square base measuring approximately 15 metres on each side, the tower rises to a height of 84.7 metres, offering spectacular panoramic views from its upper terraces, accessible via 414 steps.

Construction of the bell tower began in 1334 under the direction of Giotto, but following his death in 1337, the project was completed by his successors, Andrea Pisano and Francesco Talenti, in 1359. The exterior is adorned with white, red, and green marble arranged in geometric patterns and floral motifs, a hallmark of Florentine design. The tower is further enriched with sculptures from the 14th and 15th centuries. Near the top, 16 niches contain white marble statues of prophets, created by Donatello and Nanni di Bartolo. For preservation, the original statues have been moved to the Opera del Duomo Museum, while replicas grace the bell tower itself.

The dome of the cathedral was designed by the architect Filippo Brunelleschi. Construction began in 1420 and was completed in 1436. It stands as one of the greatest engineering achievements of its time, with a diameter of approximately 45 metres. At the time, no one knew how to construct a dome of such size without wooden scaffolding for support. Brunelleschi developed an innovative system involving a double-shell structure and herringbone brickwork.

When the competition for designing the dome was announced, Brunelleschi faced strong competitors, including Lorenzo Ghiberti, known for his Baptistery doors. Though Brunelleschi won the competition, his early collaboration with Ghiberti was fraught with tension. To assert his indispensability and edge Ghiberti out of the project, Brunelleschi even feigned illness to demonstrate the challenges of construction without his expertise.

Despite being built over 500 years ago, modern engineers still struggle to fully replicate Brunelleschi’s methods. Notably, it remains unclear how the builders managed to hoist such massive bricks to a height exceeding 90 metres without modern technology.

The dome of Santa Maria del Fiore dominates Florence’s skyline and is the tallest structure in the city. By law, no other building in Florence may surpass the height of the dome (114.5 metres), ensuring its prominence in the cityscape for centuries. It also retains its status as the largest masonry dome in the world.

Entry to Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral is free of charge. The cathedral is open Monday to Saturday from 10:15 AM to 3:45 PM, but it is closed on Sundays and religious holidays. Visiting hours may vary due to services, so it’s best to check the schedule on the official website before your visit. Long queues often form in front of the cathedral, especially during peak tourist season. Remember to dress appropriately: bare shoulders, hats, sandals, or exposed legs are not permitted.

To visit other parts of the complex, such as Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery of San Giovanni, the Opera del Duomo Museum, and the Santa Reparata archaeological site, you’ll need a ticket. Three types of passes are available, which can be purchased online via the official cathedral website or at the ticket office located on Piazza del Duomo.

The Ghiberti Pass, priced at €15, provides access to the Baptistery of San Giovanni, the Opera del Duomo Museum, and the Santa Reparata archaeological site located beneath the cathedral. Access to Brunelleschi’s Dome and Giotto’s Bell Tower is not included. The visit to Santa Reparata is fixed at a specific time, and adjustments cannot be made. The Baptistery closes at 2:00 PM on the first Sunday of each month, and the Museum is closed on the first Tuesday. This ticket is valid for three days from the date of purchase and is an affordable option for those interested in historical and cultural landmarks without climbing to elevated viewpoints.

The Giotto Pass, priced at €20, includes all locations covered by the Ghiberti Pass and also grants access to Giotto’s Bell Tower. Entry to the Bell Tower requires arriving at a pre-selected time, and the ascent consists of 414 steps. It is not recommended for individuals with cardiovascular or respiratory issues or for pregnant visitors. This ticket is also valid for three days from the date of purchase and is ideal for visitors who wish to enjoy panoramic views of Florence from the Bell Tower.

The Brunelleschi Pass, priced at €30, provides access to all attractions on Piazza del Duomo, including the Baptistery, the Opera del Duomo Museum, Santa Reparata, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and Brunelleschi’s Dome. To climb the Dome, a specific date and time must be chosen at the time of booking. The climb involves 463 steps and is not recommended for individuals with cardiovascular or respiratory conditions or for pregnant visitors. This ticket offers a complete experience of the entire complex and the opportunity to enjoy breathtaking views from two observation points. It is valid for three days from the date of purchase.

Tickets for the Santa Maria del Fiore complex can be purchased online through the official website or in person at the ticket office on Piazza del Duomo (address: Piazza del Duomo, 14A, 50122 Florence, Italy). It is advisable to buy tickets in advance, especially during high season, to avoid queues and secure your preferred time for visiting.

You can also visit the cathedral or the complex as part of a guided tour. There are quite affordable options, for example, a guided tour of the cathedral (reminding you that entry to the cathedral is free) will cost 13.60 euros, while a tour of the entire complex with a climb to the bell tower costs 50 euros, 20 of which cover the 3-day Giotto Pass.

— Avoid bringing backpacks. Visitors are required to leave suitcases, backpacks, packages, containers, and medium-to-large bags, along with other prohibited items, in the cloakroom (Piazza del Duomo, 38/r) before entering the cathedral.

— Tickets are valid for 3 days but allow only ONE entry to each location. Depending on your ticket type, you will have a designated time slot for your first location, and you must start there. Afterward, you can visit other sites in any order. For the Ghiberti Pass, the time slot is for Santa Reparata; for the Giotto Pass, it’s the Bell Tower; and for the Brunelleschi Pass, it’s the Dome.

— Consider carefully before booking a climb to Brunelleschi’s Dome. There are no elevators in the cathedral, so you will need to climb 463 steps on foot. While climbing observation towers is usually a must-do, keep in mind the conditions inside the Dome. Even at 9 AM, the heat and stuffiness in the narrow corridors can be overwhelming—I almost fainted despite having chosen the earliest time slot. I can’t imagine how much worse it would be in the afternoon when the air inside barely circulates! If you want to experience this, definitely book an early morning time slot when the crowds are thinner.

 — Book the earliest time slot. We reserved the climb to Brunelleschi’s Dome for 9 AM, right at opening time. After descending, we strolled around the area and climbed Giotto’s Bell Tower around 10 AM without any queues. By the time we left, an enormous line had formed outside the Bell Tower. The problem with the Bell Tower is that the same narrow staircase is used for both ascending and descending, so you’ll often have to wait for others to pass before you can proceed.

The Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral is located in the heart of the city, with most of the main tourist attractions within walking distance. If you're already in the centre of Florence, for example, near the Ponte Vecchio or the Uffizi Gallery, you can easily walk to the cathedral. It is located in Piazza del Duomo.

Address: Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy.

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