Tour Details
Duration
3 hours
Product Type
Tour
Venues
- Baptistery of St. John
- Florence Duomo
- Museo dell'Opera Del Duomo
- Ghiberti's doors
Photos & Highlights
- Explore the complex architecture of the Duomo Complex and get the real story of Brunelleschi's Dome
- Led by a local historian
Select a date
Tour Description
When thinking of Florence, one particular Renaissance church instantly comes to mind: Santa Maria del Fiore and its famous dome, more commonly known as the Duomo. During this 3-hour Duomo Museum tour, you will visit the stunning Baptistery, explore the Cathedral and its crypt, and discover masterpieces in the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo. Led by an expert guide, this tour brings the stories behind Florence’s most famous landmarks to life.
Experts
The Duomo is its own unique character in this story, with a long, dramatic story of its design and construction. You’ll begin at the Baptistery, admiring its intricate mosaics and marble facade before delving into its rich history. Next, you’ll visit the Florence Cathedral, where your guide will talk about Brunelleschi and the “perspective machine” he developed, to establish, for the first time since antiquity, a system for mathematical perspective. You'll also explore the Crypt of Santa Reparata, revealing layers of history beneath the cathedral.
The Duomo Complex tour concludes at the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, home to the original works of art and sculptures created for the complex. From intricate carvings to a cross-section of Brunelleschi’s dome, the museum ties together themes of art, faith, and innovation. Your guide will leave you with fresh insights and plenty to ponder as you continue exploring Florence’s architectural wonders.
By the end of the tour, you’ll have a deeper understanding of the Duomo Complex’s cultural and historical significance. From its role in shaping Florence to the artistry of its creators, you’ll walk away with a newfound appreciation for these masterpieces and the city that inspired them.
- You’re a history enthusiast eager to uncover the stories behind Florence’s most iconic landmarks.
- You appreciate guided tours that provide deep cultural and historical insights.
- You want to see both the renowned sites and hidden layers, like the Crypt of Santa Reparata.
- Florence Cathedral - Duomo
- Baptistery of St. John
- Museo dell'Opera Del Duomo
- Santa Reparata
The Baptistery of St. John is currently undergoing restoration of the mosaics of the vault, which are not visible at this time, although this site is still worth seeing.
Tickets
Tickets to the Baptistery of San Giovanni, the Opera del Duomo Museum, and the crypt of Santa Reparata are included in the cost of the tour.
Although entry tickets are purchased in advance for the time of your tour, you may still experience waiting times at some sites within the complex due to security checks. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
Although entry tickets are purchased in advance for the time of your tour, you may still experience waiting times at some sites within the complex due to security checks. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
Additional Trip-Planning Resources
- For more information on planning your travels to Florence, take a read through our Context Stories.
- If you are looking to learn more about Florence prior to a visit, check out our online lectures.
Is this tour suitable for children or elderly participants?
While this tour is not specifically designed for children, it is appropriate for all ages.
While this tour is not specifically designed for children, it is appropriate for all ages.
Are tickets to the Duomo Complex included in the tour price?
Yes, the tour price includes all necessary entrance tickets to the Baptistery, Cathedral, Crypt of Santa Reparata, and the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo.
What should I wear?
As the tour includes visits to religious sites, modest attire is recommended. Visitors cannot show bare legs or bare shoulders, they cannot wear sandals, hats, or sunglasses. Bulky backpacks and bags are not allowed
Will there be time to climb the Duomo or Giotto’s Bell Tower?
This tour does not include a climb of the Duomo or Bell Tower, but your guide can provide information on how to do this independently after the tour.
Is there the possibility of accessing the Terraces during this tour?
No, this tour does not include access to the Florence Duomo Terraces. If you are looking for an experience like this, please check out our VIP Florence Duomo Exclusive Access Tour with Terraces View.
We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.
Is this tour accessible to wheelchair users?
Yes, this tour is accessible to wheelchair users and those with mobility issues.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Where You'll Start
–
139 Reviews
Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
Not being heavily religious, the explanations of every panel of the Baptistry ceiling got tedious. Maybe a check on how into religious history the audience is would help.
Jeffrey
Reviewed on:
Oct 29, 2013
Alexandra was extremely knowledgeable, easy to follow along with and certainly fabulous at engaging all of our family, as well as energetic and positive. Our kids as well as the parents, thoroughly enjoyed the tour. It was a fabulous tour and all of us walked away with new knowledge and an appreciation of the history and architecture of the Duomo. Alexandra certainly demonstrated that she loved what she was doing and excited about sharing her knowledge with others.
Carole
Reviewed on:
Oct 29, 2013
Our first visit inside Brunelleschi's masterpiece was the fulfillment of a long-anticipated desire. How fortunate we were to have a docent as knowledgeable, as perceptive, and as passionate about his art as Siro. He lead us through the centuries of history encompassed by the Duomo site, culminating in the crowning of the edifice with its magnificent dome. Particularly enriching was his exposition of the Baptistery and its bronze doors in the development Western Art. The only thing needed in this walk is more time to absorb the tremendous riches of site.
Marion
Reviewed on:
Sep 28, 2013
