Trip Planner:
Europe
/
Italy
/
Tuscany
/
Province of Florence
/
Florence
/
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
The symbol of the city and its main church, Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is renowned for its huge dome engineered by Filippo Brunelleschi, one of the foremost architects of the Italian Renaissance. This Gothic structure, begun in 1296 following the design of architect Arnolfo di Cambio, was completed in 1436. The elaborate facade is a 19th-century addition that represents the Gothic Revival style prevalent across Europe at the time. The cathedral complex, which includes a baptistery and a bell tower, is part of a World Heritage site covering the historic center of the city. In the piazza in front of the cathedral, a statue of Brunelleschi looks upwards towards his dome. You can climb the 464 steps to the dome through the entrance on the side of the church, but be prepared for a long line. With our international travel planner, Florence attractions like Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore can be center stage of your vacation plans, and you can find out about other attractions like it, unlike it, near it, and miles away.
Create a full itinerary - for free!
Tours to Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore reviews
-
It’s not worth to go to the cathedral and pay money for that. There is nothing. Go better directly to cupola. You see the church from inside as well. On the grand floor and then from the first stop...
It’s not worth to go to the cathedral and pay money for that. There is nothing. Go better directly to cupola. You see the church from inside as well. On the grand floor and then from the first stop... more »
-
A mess . Several queues, no explanation outside. We went several times, and wait but finally impossible to entry. Not well organized...
A mess . Several queues, no explanation outside. We went several times, and wait but finally impossible to entry. Not well organized... more »
-
I'm a little surprised this needs a rating -- this is a must-see in Florence. Absolutely beautiful. The line may be long, but it moves pretty quickly.
I'm a little surprised this needs a rating -- this is a must-see in Florence. Absolutely beautiful. The line may be long, but it moves pretty quickly. more »
-
An absolute must if you are able to climb a decent amount of stairs. The climb was not bad and actually quite fun. You have to navigate through steep stairs, ladders, and snug hallways which was amusing to watch my 6’1 boyfriend get through. The view from the top was stunning. They limit the time you have at the top to ensure the next group has time to soak in the views as well. The journey going down was just as fun and breathtaking. The ceiling of the Cathedral was such a beautiful sight. One of my favorite memories of my entire 4 day stay in Florence. Definitely going back if I can!
-
Amazing building. It's so huge and incredible. Very nice historic cathedral. I haven't never before seen church like this. Very powerful place. I strongly recommend visits it. Only the are around 145 stairs steps to go to the top of tower.
-
The highlight of our day touring the churches and cathedrals in this part of Florence. We started at Basilica of Santa Maria Novella and slowly made our way. It was a spectacular way to go, as otherwise the other churches would not have gotten the same attention by family -- and they all definitely deserve careful attention. Sort of saving the best for last as it were. Definitely a fabulous day and definitely the ultimate highlight of the day. Spend some time outside going around before heading in to appreciate what you see even more.
-
Such an exquisite place to visit. It is like the jewel of the whole thing. Both the exterior and front of the cathedral are very stupendous - colored in offset white marble, with beautiful red, pink and green designs. When you look at such coloring or the styling, it is just to die for.
-
One of the most beautiful churches in the world, it truly is a humbling experience to stand in a building so old, so large, and so peaceful, all at once. The inside of the dome itself is a breathtaking view. The crypt below the church is also a fascinating and informative display that shows the history of the site, including visualizations that helped us understand where the current cathedral stands in relation to its predecessor.
Plan your trip to Florence
-
Get a personalized tripA full day by day itinerary based on your preferences
-
Customize itRefine your trip. We'll find the
best routes and schedules -
Book itChoose from the best hotels and activities. Up to 50% off
-
Manage itEverything in one place. Everyone on the same page.
Know more
Hidden gems in Florence
Side trips from Florence
Nearby attractions in Florence
Trips in Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore by other users
9 days in Florence & Rome
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Florence
Rome
15 days in Italy
BY A USER FROM THE NETHERLANDS
Rome
Naples
Capri
12 days in Hurghada, Turkey & Italy
BY A USER FROM EGYPT
Hurghada
Istanbul
Venice
9 days in Europe
SEE PLAN
Amsterdam
Munich
Rome
20 days in Italy, Switzerland & Stuttgart
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Zurich
Zermatt
Brig
20 days in Europe
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Stuttgart
Zurich
Lugano
18 days in Italy
BY A USER FROM THE NETHERLANDS
Verona
Venice
Positano
30 days in Europe
BY A USER FROM CANADA
Dublin
London
Paris
14 days in Western Europe
BY A USER FROM ARGENTINA
Rome
Florence
Venice
24 days in Europe
BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM
Brussels
Bruges
Berlin
17 days in Italy, Switzerland & France
BY A USER FROM SAUDI ARABIA
Rome
Florence
Venice
16 days in Paris, Marseille & Italy
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Paris
Marseille
Venice
Are you the owner of this business?
Click here for promotion tips.