Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore

About the museum

The first stone of the new cathedral of Florence was laid on 8 September 1296, and the works were entrusted to Arnolfo di Cambio. The present building corresponds to the enlargement designed by Francesco Talenti from the mid-14th century. The church was consecrated by Pope Eugene IV on 25 March 1436, when the dome was completed. The name “Santa Maria del Fiore” recalls the lily, emblem of the city of Florentia.

The exterior walls are faced with white, red and green marble in geometric patterns. The present façade is a 19th-century neo-Gothic work designed by De Fabris, which replaced an earlier façade that had remained unfinished. The three-aisled interior is lit by 44 stained-glass windows and holds important works, including the clock painted by Paolo Uccello, the equestrian monuments to John Hawkwood and Niccolò da Tolentino, and the portrait of Dante painted by Domenico di Michelino.

Beneath the church lie the remains of the ancient basilica of Santa Reparata, which can be visited with a ticket. The cathedral is part of the Piazza del Duomo complex, managed by the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore, which includes the Cupola del Brunelleschi, the Campanile di Giotto, the Battistero di San Giovanni and the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo.

Highlights

• Cupola del Brunelleschi (climb with ticket)
• Clock painted by Paolo Uccello
• Equestrian monuments to John Hawkwood and Niccolò da Tolentino
• Dante illuminando Firenze by Domenico di Michelino
• Ancient basilica of Santa Reparata beneath the cathedral

Permanent exhibition

• Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore – Free visit of the nave, with works such as Paolo Uccello’s clock and the equestrian monuments. Beneath the church lies the ancient basilica of Santa Reparata.

Founded

1296

Operated by

Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission to the cathedral is always free. The other monuments in Piazza del Duomo are visited with passes of the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore, which can be bought on the official webshop tickets.duomo.firenze.it. Climbing the Cupola requires a compulsory timed slot that cannot be changed or cancelled. Tickets are named and must be used with an identity document.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The entrance for people with mobility disabilities or reduced mobility is on the right side of the cathedral (Porta dei Canonici). Inside there is the TouchAble tactile route. Climbing to the Cupola and the Campanile is not accessible to people with reduced mobility, due to the high number of steps and the lack of a lift. For special needs: accessibilita@duomo.firenze.it.

Kids & families

Minors under 18 may climb the Cupola and the Campanile only if accompanied by an adult.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

• Coat check

Luggage storage at Piazza del Duomo 38/r is mandatory for suitcases, backpacks and medium and large bags before entering the monuments.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit