Free entry to Florence Cathedral

Make the most of your free cathedral entry with an immersive audio guide that brings Florence’s iconic Duomo to life—without the cost of a full tour.

Getting started

Download your audio guide in advance and come prepared with your own headphones. After a brief security check, you’re all set to enter the cathedral.

What to expect

One of the most celebrated churches in the world, the Florence Cathedral is famous for its red-tiled dome and Renaissance art treasures.

Features

• Discover the cathedral’s grand interiors, frescoed ceilings, and stained-glass windows at your own pace.

• Audio guide available in Chinese, German, English, French, Italian, and Spanish.

• Get rich context on Brunelleschi’s dome, Vasari’s Last Judgment, and other highlights as you walk.

• Take your time—pause, rewind, and explore freely.

• Optional upgrades let you climb the dome or join an express English-guided tour for a deeper dive.

Free entry to Florence Cathedral

Discover the heart of Renaissance architecture and art in Florence with this free-entry guided tour that includes access to the iconic Florence Cathedral, known as Santa Maria del Fiore, along with its Baptistery and Giotto's Bell Tower. This comprehensive experience covers the entire complex, giving you a deep dive into centuries of religious history and artistic innovation. With an audio guide available in multiple languages including English, Italian, German, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, and Japanese, visitors can explore at their own pace without worrying about long queues or missing out on details. The tour includes skip-the-line entry for the cathedral's dome climb and a guided visit to Giotto's Bell Tower. Total duration is approximately 2-3 hours, allowing ample time to appreciate each site fully. Key highlights include Brunelleschi’s Dome, Vasari’s frescoes in the Chapel of San Zenobius, and Michelangelo’s sculptures at the Baptistery. The tour also covers other significant landmarks such as the Florence Duomo Museum (Museo dell'Opera del Duomo) where you can see original artworks like Donatello's bronze sculpture of St. George. This experience is perfect for history buffs, art enthusiasts, and anyone looking to explore Florence’s most iconic sites with ease.

Explore Brunelleschi's Dome

Your tour stops at the breathtaking dome of Santa Maria del Fiore where you can marvel at its architectural brilliance and historical significance. Built between 1420 and 1436, this octagonal structure stands at 150 feet in diameter and rises to a height of approximately 375 feet, making it one of the largest masonry domes ever constructed. The dome's intricate design includes eight ribs that support the outer shell, allowing visitors to climb up for stunning views over Florence’s skyline. Inside, you can see frescoes by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari dating back to the 1570s, depicting scenes from the life of St. Zenobius. Visitors spend about 30 minutes exploring the dome's interior before ascending to the top for panoramic views that extend over miles of Tuscan landscape. Brunelleschi’s innovative design was revolutionary at the time and remains a testament to his engineering genius, setting new standards in architectural achievement. Unlike other domes around Europe, Brunelleschi’s dome does not require internal scaffolding or support structures due to its unique construction techniques.

Tour Highlights

• Explore Florence Cathedral’s iconic dome for free
• Skip the line with audio guide for hassle-free entry
• Audio guide available in 10 languages including English and Italian
• Climb Giotto's Bell Tower for panoramic views of Florence
• Visit Michelangelo's sculptures at the Baptistery of San Giovanni
• Discover original artworks at the Duomo Museum, Museo dell'Opera del Duomo
• Explore Vasari’s frescoes in the Chapel of San Zenobius within the cathedral
• Enjoy guided tours in English for insider insights from local experts

Perfect for history buffs, art lovers, and architecture enthusiasts, this free-entry tour provides a comprehensive exploration of Florence's most significant landmarks. The 2-3 hour format allows you to delve into Brunelleschi’s Dome, climb Giotto's Bell Tower, and explore the Baptistery of San Giovanni, giving you an unparalleled understanding of Renaissance art and engineering.