Santa Maria del Fiore

This stunning cathedral took nearly 150 years to complete, and Brunelleschi's dome is today the most iconic feature of the Florentine skyline.

TravelCurious Tip

If you want to visit the dome, go at the end of the day. That way, you won’t have to squeeze past people coming up when you’re on your way down!

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, found in the Piazza del Duomo, rules the Florence skyline. First designed by Arnolfo di Cambio, it is third largest church in the world, after only St. Peter’s in Rome and St. Paul’s in London. Its name means the Virgin of the Flower — an allusion to the lily, the symbol of the city of Florence.


Construction started in 1296 and took nigh on 150 years to finish. Numerous styles come together in this cathedral, indicating how tastes evolved over this period. Altogether, the cathedral complex includes the Baptistery, the octagonal minor basilica that is among the oldest buildings in Florence, and Giotto’s Campanile, the showpiece Gothic bell tower. All the buildings have the same, striking pink, white and green marble façade; together, they are are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.


The Cherry on Top

Santa maria del Fiore’s famous dome, seen on every other Florence postcard, was designed in the 15th century by Brunelleschi. He took the innovative approach of vaulting the dome space without scaffolding, by using a double shell structure. The inner shell is the self-supporting element, while the outer dome serves a wind-resistant covering. Crowning the dome is a lantern, upon which there is a copper sphere and cross that contain holy relics.


You can scale the 463 steps to Brunelleschi’s dome for an unforgettable view of Florence. It also allows you to get a closer look at the frescos on the inner shell of the dome, painted by Giorgia Vasari and Federico Zuccari between 1572 and 1579.

Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in Florence
The Baptistery of St John
Among the city’s oldest buildings (and certainly its most octagonal), the Baptistery is a superb example of Florentine Romanesque style.
Piazza del Duomo
Florence's 'Cathedral Square' is in the historic heart of the city and home to several of its most famous landmarks.
Piazza della Signoria
Overlooked by the imposing Palazzo Vecchio and the Loggia dei Lanzi, this square is one of the city’s focal points.
Dante's Quarter
Italy’s most celebrated poet and a giant of world literature, the author of the Divine Comedy was a native Florentine.
Church and Museum of Orsanmichele
Orsanmichele is a church in the Italian city of Florence
Jewelers
Unique and unrepeatable creations made entirely by hand according to the Florentine goldsmith's tradition.

Related Tours

Discover Florence in a Day: Private Full-Day Walking Tour
Explore the best of Florence, the beautiful capital city of Tuscany on this full-day private tour with an expert guide. The birthplace of Dante and Michelangelo and ruled by the infamous Medici family, Florence is often called the Cradle of the Renaissance and is an open-air museum of beautiful Renaissance architecture, statues and monuments, cobbled streets, hidden gems down little-known side streets, world-famous galleries, sunny piazzas, gorgeous old bridges, and wonderful vistas. 

On your private tour, you will: 

  • Meet your guide outside the Hotel Minerva opposite the stunning facade of Basilica Santa Maria Novella, which lends its name to the train station nearby;
  • Walk to the famously vibrant San Lorenzo market, the indoor market selling fresh food and local produce, the lively outdoor market famous for its leather, pottery, and other souvenirs; 
  • See the famous Medici church and mausoleum the Basilica di San Lorenzo from the outside, one of the largest and oldest in Florence, designed by a number of leading architects including Brunelleschi, Donatello, and Michelangelo; 
  • Walk to the iconic Piazza Del Duomo in the heart of Florence, dominated by the Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore with Brunelleschi’s famous dome, Giotto's Campanile, and the Baptistry; 
  • Learn all about these buildings, the architects, and the scandalous Pazzi conspiracy; 
  • Head to central Piazza della Repubblica to hear about Italy’s Risorgimento, and on to the Mercato del Porcellino where you’ll learn about the Florentine leather tradition which dates back to antiquity, and how the Florentines used the Arno river in the production process;
  • Pass by Dante’s House, and learn all about the life and work of this seminal Italian writer, famous for his epic poem The Divine Comedy; 
  • Explore the Santa Croce neighbourhood with the grand Basilica di Santa Croce at its heart - where Michelangelo is buried;
  • Enjoy a leisurely and well-deserved lunch break at a local restaurant (not included);
  •  Walk to Piazza dell Signoria with its impressive, muscular marble statues including a replica of David, and the Palazzo Vecchio the historic political centre of Florence;
  • Admire the elegant Uffizi Gallery buildings, a prime example of 16th-century Italian architecture;
  • Walk over the famous Ponte Vecchio, uniquely lined with shops it was the only bridge over the Arno river until 1218, and see if you can spot the secret Vasari Corridor;
  • See the grand exterior of the Renaissance Pitti Palace, once the official residence of the Medici Family;
  • Visit the magnificent Basilica of Santo Spirito, one of the best examples of Renaissance architecture by the famous  architect Filippo Brunelleschi (who designed the extraordinary dome of the Duomo among many other achievements) ;
  • Explore the Oltrarno district, Florence’s coolest neighbourhood, known for its artisanal shops and many bars and restaurants, a favourite hangout for the locals;
  • Enjoy a delicious Gelato on us at your guide's favourite gelateria!

Florence sits serenely on the Arno River in the heart of Tuscany and is known for its Renaissance beauty everywhere you look. 

On your private tour of this Renaissance city, home to some of the greatest names of all time from Michelangelo to the Medici, you’ll explore all the most notable highlights, including the Duomo, with Brunelleschi’s Dome, which took 140 years to complete, and the Baptistry of St John, built over 70 years and named after the Saint Protector of Florence- San Giovanni. 

You’ll hear all about the lives, accomplishments, and scandals of the families and artists that made Florence, as you wander the quaint cobbled streets, gazing at magnificent buildings, glorious piazzas and spectacular statues.

Admire views of the Ponte Vecchio and the Arno, and hear about life in modern Florence as you walk through the vibrant markets that have been going since medieval times, and end with an orientation around the trendy Oltrarno area, filled with artisanal shops and lively bars. Enjoy a delicious gelato with your guide who will be only too happy to help you with dinner/shopping/sightseeing recommendations.  

Please note that there is often a long line to enter into the Duomo of Florence. If the line is too long you will not visit the interior of the Cathedral on tour, and your guide will give you tips on the best time to return to avoid standing in line.
Explore Florence Highlights including the 'David': Private Tour
Discover the highlights of Florence and follow an expert and entertaining tour guide to the most significant places through the historical centre and learn about the amazing history of the city from the time it was the capital of the Renaissance to the time it became the capital of early unified Italy. 

On your private half-day tour, you will:

  • Begin your tour at Galleria dell'Accademia (Accademia Gallery), the home to the largest collection of Michelangelo's sculptures;
  • Admire "The David" and marvel at the elegance and details of this  5.17-metre (17 ft 0 in) marble sculpture;
  • Learn why Michelangelo is considered a genius and see traces of his sculptural technique in the chisel marks of the unfinished sculptures of the "Slaves";
  • Enjoy a walking tour of Florence's highlights, including the magnificent Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore) and the famed baptistry with its gilded 'Gates of Paradise' doors; 
  • Learn about Italian leatherwork, and discover the best places to shop in the city;
  • Explore the historical political heart of Florence with the medieval castle-like Palazzo Vecchio and the elegant Renaissance Uffizi Gallery buildings;
  • Admire the beautiful sculptures in the Loggia dei Lanzi outdoor Sculpture gallery, including Cennini's Perseus holding the head of Medusa;
  • Enjoy a refreshing Gelato break at your guide's favourite gelateria;
  • End your tour on the Ponte Vecchio, Florence's most famous and ancient bridge over the Arno river.

Your tour begins in the prestigious Accademia Gallery, where you will enjoy timed entrance tickets to the museum, and explore stunning artwork, including Michelangelo's David.

Then see the religious centre of the city: admire the Duomo, whose impressive Dome was designed by Brunelleschi, and the Baptistery of Saint John, one of the oldest buildings in Florence. From the religious centre, you will walk to the political centre, and enjoy a pleasant stroll through Piazza Della Signoria, surrounded by its ancient buildings and the Loggia Dei Lanzi. 

In this open-air museum, we will see original masterpieces by Giambologna and Cellini. From there, you'll cross the famous Ponte Vecchio, the medieval bridge on the Arno River. Your tour finishes with a delicious gelato (on us!) before your guide leaves you with recommendations for how to spend the remainder of your day.

This half-day tour of Florence's Renaissance artwork and architecture is a must for all visitors. 


Please note: that there is often a long line to enter into the Duomo of Florence. If the line is too long you will not visit the interior of the Cathedral on tour, and your guide will give you tips on the best time to return to avoid standing in line.
Welcome to Florence: Private 2.5-hour Highlights Walking Tour
Explore Florence with a private guide, one of the most iconic and beautiful cities in Italy,  and discover the city's rich history, art, and culture on this introductory tour perfect tour for anyone arriving in Florence for the first time. 

On your private 2.5-hour tour, you will:

  • Start your tour at Piazza San Lorenzo, the perfect location to find famous Florentine handmade leather goods;
  • Learn about Italian leatherwork, and discover the best places to shop in the city;
  • Admire the stunning and exquisite architecture of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore known as the Duomo, 
  • Marvel at the  intricate details of the beautiful bronze doors of the Baptistry;
  • Walk by Piazza della Repubblica
  • Take a stroll down the famous Piazza della Signoria, home to the imposing Palazzo Vecchio and the impressive Neptune Fountain;
  • Walk by the Uffizi Gallery, and appreciate the magnificent architecture of the exteriors of the building;
  • Snap the perfect photo by the Arno River of the Ponte Vecchio, one of the most photographed sites in Florence;
  • Finish your tour with a classic Italian gelato on us. 

Discover the most popular highlights in the historic centre of the city of Florence with your expert guide and learn about the amazing history of the city from the time it was the capital of the Renaissance to the time it became the capital of early unified Italy. 

First, you will see the religious centre of the city: admire the Duomo, whose impressive Dome was designed by Brunelleschi, and the Baptistery of Saint John, one of the oldest buildings in Florence. 

From the religious centre, you will walk to the political centre, and enjoy a pleasant stroll through Piazza Della Signoria, surrounded by its ancient buildings and the Loggia Dei Lanzi. In this open-air museum, we will see original masterpieces by Giambologna and Cellini. 
From there, you'll cross the famous Ponte Vecchio, the medieval bridge on the Arno River. Your tour finishes with a delicious gelato (on us!) before your guide leaves you with recommendations for how to spend the remainder of your day.  

Please note that there is often a long line to enter into the Duomo of Florence. If the line is too long you will not visit the interior of the Cathedral on tour, and your guide will give you tips on the best time to return to avoid standing in line.
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