tour details

DUOMO
Tour Description
Undoubtedly, the best view of Florence is from atop the magnificent dome of Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral. This impressive record-
breaking structure, soaring over 300 feet in the air, was built in the first half of the 15th century by Filippo Brunelleschi. Join
us as our expert guide leads the climb up the 463 steps of the world's largest masonry dome and hear the fascinating story about
its construction. As you climb enjoy spectacular views inside the massive Cathedral. Then, once you've made it to the top, step
outside and take in a 360-degree bird's eye view of the city as you circle the base of the 750-ton marble lantern.

The "Destination to Europe" Advantage
Whoever says you can't see all of Florence in a day has never been to the top of Brunelleschi's dome! Follow us to the top with 
our local guide and see the city as you have never seen it before. This is an excellent opportunity to get a complete overview of 
the city, its monuments, and its history.
With a reserved entrance time, your visit to the Dome and the climb is made simple. Our welcoming tour coordinators and guide will
be waiting for you with your reservation to enter the dome and all inclusive pass with access to all the mon monuments of the 
Cathedral complex.
Brunelleschi combined design and function, building a dome within a DOme. The space between the outer shell dome and the inner brick
Dome serves as a passageway to the top. As you ascend, balconies around the interior of the Dome give you the extraordinary opportunity
to see the late 16th-century mural painting lining the DOme up close. Covering an area of about 39,000 square feet, this depiction
of the Last Judgement is one of the largest mural paintings in the world.

Once back on the ground, the all-inclusive 72-hours pass allows you to explore the Cathedral complex at your own pace. Descend into
the Cathedral crypt to discover ancient Roman and Medieval ruins and visit Brunelleschi's tomb. Enter the Baptistery and be dazzled
by the sparkling medieval mosaics. At the Cathedral Museum admire works by Donatello, Ghiberti, Michelangelo, and others. Then if you're
ready for another climb, take in a striking view of the dome from the top of the Belltower.

Join us at our easy-to-find meeting point and let the adventure begin!
Tour Overview
The construction of Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, the Duomo, began in the late 13th century with plans for an extensive structure
topped by an octagonal dome. But less than 100 years later, as construction was well underway, these plans were scrapped to make way
for an even larger structure. The revised plans called for a wider Dome, stretching it at the base and raising it higher above
ground level. This new Dome plan was perfect for satisfying the Florentines' pursuit of superiority; the only problem was no one
knew how to build it. Untill Brunelleschi arrived on the scene. Our guide will lead the way as you learn how this incredible
architectural achievement was accomplished. Hear the story about how a goldsmith with no real building experience was hired
for the job. Discover how Brunelleschi was the first to build a Dome without the use of support during construction, putting over
four million bricks into place. Learn how heavy building materials were hoisted up dizzying heights.
Since its completion, Brunelleschi's Dome has been an unmistakable symbol of ingenuity and high-quality craftsmanship. Another record-
breaker is iconic David by Michelangelo. Join us also on our Accademia tour and discover another fruit of Florentine artistic genius.