Florence: Brunelleschi’s Dome Entry & Duomo Complex Tickets

Summary

Climb Florence’s dome walk ancient steps see city rooftops up close

You’ll feel Florence shift beneath your feet as you climb Brunelleschi’s Dome with this entry ticket—narrow stairs echoing with history, city rooftops unfolding below you, time to wander through Giotto’s Bell Tower and the Opera Museum at your own pace. Pause in the Baptistery under golden mosaics before stepping back into sunlight.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the hush—just my sneakers scuffing old stone as we started up Brunelleschi’s Dome. Florence hums outside, but inside the Cupola it’s just breath and echoes. Our ticket let us skip the outside lines (thank god), but there’s no shortcut for those 463 steps. The walls close in sometimes, cool and a little damp, and I kept brushing past centuries-old graffiti scratched by hands who probably felt just as winded. At one landing, our guide pointed to a half-finished balcony—Baccio D’Angelo gave up on it in 1507. “He ran out of patience or money,” she shrugged. I get it.

The climb is awkward—some stairs are so narrow you have to turn sideways if someone comes down. But then you reach the top and, honestly, it hits hard: all those terracotta roofs, laundry flapping between windows, the Arno glinting far off. I leaned against the railing and tried to spot our lunch place from yesterday (no luck). The air smells faintly like warm stone and city dust. You can see Giotto's Bell Tower right across—later we climbed that too, legs shaking a bit by then. The view is different from each tower; I liked how you could see people moving like ants below.

I wandered through the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo after (the ticket covers that too), which is quieter than I expected—a good break from crowds. There’s Michelangelo’s Pietà behind glass, and Donatello’s sculptures looking almost soft in the afternoon light. The Baptistery was next: gold mosaics overhead, tourists craning necks until they nearly tip over backwards. It all blurs together a little—the marble floors underfoot, incense hanging in the air—but some details stick with me anyway.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Florence's Duomo and Museums

• Climb Brunelleschi's Cupola
• Visit Opera del Duomo Museum
• Ascend Giotto's Bell Tower
• Explore Florence Baptistery
• Discover Santa Reparata ruins

Top questions

How many steps are there to climb Brunelleschi's Dome?

There are 463 steps to reach the top of Brunelleschi's Dome in Florence.

Is entry to Giotto's Bell Tower included with this ticket?

Yes, your ticket includes entry to Giotto's Bell Tower as well as other Duomo complex sites.

How long does it take to visit Brunelleschi's Dome?

The recommended duration for climbing and visiting Brunelleschi's Dome is about 45–60 minutes.

Do I need a separate ticket for Florence Cathedral?

No, you do not need a ticket for the main Cathedral; you can enter at any time before or after your tour.

What is included with the Duomo complex ticket?

Your ticket includes entry to Brunelleschi's Dome, Giotto's Bell Tower, Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, Baptistery of St. John, and Santa Reparata.

Are there elevators inside Brunelleschi's Dome?

No elevators are available; visitors must climb all stairs on foot.

Is there a dress code for visiting these sites?

Yes, appropriate clothing is required: no bare shoulders or legs; hats and sunglasses must be removed inside places of worship.

How long is my Duomo complex ticket valid after first use?

Your ticket remains valid for 72 hours after its first validation for all included sites.

What’s included

Your day includes pre-timed reserved tickets for climbing Brunelleschi’s Dome on your own schedule plus entry tickets to St. John’s Baptistery, Giotto’s Bell Tower, Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, Santa Reparata crypt—all flexible within 72 hours after first use so you can explore at your own pace without rushing between sites.