Florence has been home to some of the most renowned master artists and their works still stand proudly dotting the streets and finding their place at the legendary art galleries and museums for millions of people to gaze upon and admire.
You can't comprehend how tall Michelangelo's David stands, or the brilliance of Brunelleschi's Cupola and the breath-taking view from its top unless you’ve seen it with your own eyes.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is a massive Gothic structure that towers over the city of Florence, decorating its skyline. It was one of Florence's most famous architectural buildings in the 14th century and the catalyst for a new era of art and engineering to emerge.
Enjoy a leisurely walk through the Piazza Del Duomo and admire the centuries of art and history all around you. Then, enter the Florence Cathedral which needs no entrance fee or tickets.
If you want to delve deeper and learn about the Duomo’s humble beginnings as a little church in the seventh century and how it developed to become the world's third-largest cathedral as you gaze upon and be mesmerized by the vaulted ceilings, frescos, and craftsmanship of Filippo Brunelleschi, a guided tour with a knowledgeable guide is advisable.
A guided tour might include a close-up view of the masterpiece the "Last Judgment,", access to secret passageways and hallways to the rooftop, and tickets to the Opera Del Duomo Museum, Florence Cathedral bell tower, and the Baptistry.
Visitors can also opt for an all-day or a half-day Florence tour that apart from the Duomo also include shopping at the leather marker, priority access tickets to the Uffizi, and the Accademia gallery where you can marvel at stunning artworks by the masters of the art.
As the cathedral is a monument of religious symbolism and importance as well as history, when visiting the Duomo, sandals, headgears, and sunglasses are prohibited and visitors must wear clothes that cover their shoulders and knees. That being said, a Florence Duomo Tour can take up to two hours so make sure to wear comfortable clothes and footwear that will not impede your journey or dampen the experience.
The Florence cathedral stays open from Monday to Friday (10.15 pm – 4.15 pm) & The Florence Dome is accessible from Monday to Friday (12.45 pm – 6.45 pm).
But, before making any plans to visit the Duomo, remember that both the Cathedral and the dome stay closed on the weekends and public holidays like Easter, Christmas Day, and the New Year.
Seeing and Experiencing the 'Florence Duomo', or the 'Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore' for the first time exceeds all your imagination, so book your tour and tickets in advance for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure that you won't ever forget.
P.S – Don’t forget to indulge in some world-famous mouth-watering gelato as you enjoy a stroll through the streets of Florence.
More info: italytourister.com
