Climbing the dome
The climb to the top of Brunelleschi's dome — 463 steps, no elevator — passes between its inner and outer shells before opening onto a 360-degree view over Florence's terracotta rooftops. Tickets are timed and limited daily, so book well ahead, especially in summer.
The Baptistery and Giotto's Campanile
The Baptistery, directly opposite the cathedral's main entrance, holds Lorenzo Ghiberti's gilded bronze doors — nicknamed the Gates of Paradise by Michelangelo. Giotto's Campanile, the freestanding bell tower beside the Duomo, offers an alternative climb with the dome itself visible in the view, rather than from it.
“Climb the Campanile for the classic postcard of the dome — climb the dome itself for the view over everything else.”
Best time to visit
Early morning, before the Piazza del Duomo fills with tour groups, gives the clearest photos of the façade. The dome climb is physically demanding and narrow in places — not recommended for those with mobility concerns or claustrophobia.
