Florence Cathedral
Florence Cathedral, formally Santa Maria del Fiore, is the city's main church, its vast Gothic interior a striking contrast to the more famous exterior of green, pink, and white marble and Brunelleschi's dome above. Construction began in 1296 and continued for nearly 150 years before the dome itself was completed in 1436.
Inside, the relatively sparse decoration reflects Florentine Gothic taste, with a few notable exceptions like Vasari's fresco inside the dome and clock faces and memorials scattered through the nave, including one honoring Dante.
Most of the cathedral's real treasures — the Baptistery doors, dome climb, and museum works — are technically separate sites requiring the combined Duomo ticket, so plan a visit to the complex as a whole rather than just the church interior.
Florence Cathedral FAQs
Yes, the nave itself is free, though the dome, bell tower, baptistery, and museum require a paid combined ticket.
The cathedral nave visit is separate from and much shorter than the dome climb, which requires its own timed ticket.
About 20-30 minutes for the interior alone.
Yes, shoulders and knees should be covered as it's an active place of worship.
Notable memorials include one honoring Dante, along with tombs and monuments to various Florentine historical figures.
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