The Duomo in Florence has 463 steps to the top of Brunelleschi’s Dome. The climb starts inside the cathedral, passes between the dome’s two shells, gives a close-up view of Vasari’s Last Judgment fresco, and ends at the lantern terrace with the best panoramic view of Florence. The Dome climb takes 30 to 45 minutes round trip, requires a fixed time slot on the Brunelleschi Pass (€30), and has no elevator. Giotto’s Bell Tower next to the cathedral has a separate 414-step climb with resting platforms along the way.
How long does it takes to climb the Florence Duomo?
It takes about 45 to 60 minutes for a complete round-trip (climbing up, spending time, climbing down) of the Duomo top. The time to climb top of Brunelleschi’s Dome may vary depending upon the physical condition of a person. The stairs leading to the top of the Florence Duomo are steep are steep and can be claustrophobicf for visitors who suffer from claustrophobia, heart conditions, or limited mobility.
Is it difficult to climb the Duomo in Florence?
Yes, steps leading to the top of Brunelleschi’s Dome are steep and may be difficult for visitors suffering from claustrophobia or related health conditions. The steps inside the Duomo are made up of uneven stones and there’s no elevator to move visitors to the top. The strucute leading to the top is narrow and you may squeeze past people or press against the wall while moving up or down.
What are the tips to climb Florence Duomo?
Follow the tips below to climb the Florence Duomo like a pro.
- Reserve your ticket to climb Duomo in advance.
- Book an early time slot (in the morning before 9:00am) to avoid heavy traffic inside the Duomo.
- Wear shoes with good grip to climb the uneven stairs of Florence Duomo.
- Wear light clothing in the summer as stairwell lacks air conditioning and can become very hot in peak tourist season.
What I can see from the top of Florence Duomo?
Climbing the 463 steps of the Florence Duomo rewards you with an unmatched 360-degree open-air panorama of the Renaissance city. You can see the whole city of Florence from the top of Duomo alongside the surrounding Tuscan hills.