Florence Cathedral at a glance
The cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is the main church of Florence. Its dome by Brunelleschi dominates the skyline, and you can see it from the Ponte Vecchio area and from Piazzale Michelangelo. This page is a short overview. The Ponte Vecchio is the main subject of this guide.
There are two separate things to plan. Entry to the church is free. The dome, the bell tower, the museum, the baptistery and Santa Reparata need a paid pass with a booked time.
Cathedral passes in 2026
Three passes, each with named entries and booked time slots.
| Pass | Adult | Children 7 to 14 | Children 0 to 6 | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brunelleschi | €30 | €12 | €0 | Dome, bell tower, museum, baptistery, Santa Reparata |
| Giotto | €20 | €7 | €0 | Bell tower, museum, baptistery, Santa Reparata |
| Ghiberti | €15 | €5 | €0 | Museum, baptistery, Santa Reparata |
Pupils and students with proof can buy the reduced Ghiberti Pass at the ticket office. There is no general student discount on all passes. A Ghiberti on-site ticket costs the same €15, €5 and €0, but covers only the museum and the baptistery. For a child around the age of six, check the age limit when you book.
Florence Cathedral and Duomo tours
Guided city walks that include the cathedral, with live prices and availability. Check whether an offer includes dome or museum entry before you book.
Booking and the rules for the dome
The dome needs the most planning.
Time slots
A time for the dome is required with the Brunelleschi Pass. The Giotto Pass needs a time for the bell tower, and the Ghiberti Pass needs a time for Santa Reparata. The pass is valid for 3 calendar days from the start day you choose, with one entry to each monument. Times cannot be changed or refunded.
Named passes and ID
Passes carry a name, and since 2025 your ID is checked at the entrance. The reservation is included in the pass price.
The climb
The dome has 463 steps and no lift. The entrance is the Porta della Mandorla. Visitors under 18 must be with an adult.
Which pass fits
Choose the Brunelleschi Pass if you want to climb the dome. The Giotto Pass is the choice if you prefer the bell tower and the museum. The Ghiberti Pass covers the museum, the baptistery and Santa Reparata without any climb, which suits a short or a family visit.
Slot times
Dome slots run on weekdays from 8:15 a.m. to 6:45 p.m., on Saturdays until 4:30 p.m. and on Sundays and holidays from 12:45 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Read these as the last slots. Closures for maintenance are announced ahead, so check the dome calendar before you book.
Visiting the church
You can enter the church for free and without a reservation. Tourist visits run Monday to Saturday from 10:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. On Sundays and on religious holidays the church is closed to sightseeing. Attending a service is not the same as a tourist visit.
Some parts are under work. The vault mosaics of the baptistery are not visible because of restoration. The bell tower is under scaffolding, and the view from the top can be affected.
Tours that promise priority entry should say which tickets they include. Check that before you pay, and look at the dome slot on your own pass.
From the Ponte Vecchio to the Duomo
A walk through the old town.
The route
From the bridge, walk through the Uffizi courtyard to Piazza della Signoria, then take Via dei Calzaiuoli north to the cathedral square. It is an outdoor route in the old town. The time you need depends on how often you stop.
From the station
The station of Santa Maria Novella lies in the centre. A walk to the cathedral and on to the bridge follows the same streets in the other direction.
Getting to Florence →Plan the rest of your trip
Pages that go with a day at the cathedral.
Uffizi Gallery tickets
Prices, hours and passes on the way to the bridge.
Piazzale Michelangelo
Florence and the dome from above, free of charge.
History of the Ponte Vecchio
From 1345 to the Second World War.
Florence walking tours
Guided walks that include the cathedral and the bridge.
Florence Cathedral: frequently asked questions
Is Florence Cathedral free?
Entry to the church is free, without a reservation. The dome, bell tower, museum, baptistery and Santa Reparata need a paid pass.
How much is the dome ticket in 2026?
The Brunelleschi Pass costs €30 for adults and €12 for children from 7 to 14. Children from 0 to 6 enter free. The pass includes a booked time for the dome.
How many steps are there to the top of the dome?
463 steps, with no lift. The entrance is the Porta della Mandorla, and visitors under 18 need an adult.
Can I climb the dome without a reservation?
No. The dome needs a booked time slot, and the pass carries your name. Bring the ID that matches it.
When can I visit the church?
Monday to Saturday from 10:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. It is closed to sightseeing on Sundays and on religious holidays.
How far is the cathedral from the Ponte Vecchio?
It is a walk through the old town, past Piazza della Signoria and along Via dei Calzaiuoli. Allow time for stops along the way.