Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore Tours and Activities

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore featuring religious aspects, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore


The “Saint Mary of the Flower” cathedral and its towering dome have come to symbolize Florence.

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is also known as the Duomo, which is an Italian term for cathedral. Dominating the Florence skyline is the Duomo’s magnificent dome, considered by many to be the most important architectural achievement of the Renaissance. Inside the cathedral, you’ll find stained-glass windows and frescoes by Italian masters, and one of the oldest examples of an hora italica clock in the world. For many, the most impressive part of a visit is a close-up view of the building itself.

Plans for the cathedral were first drawn up in 1294 by the architect Arnolfo di Cambio and construction started two years later. The building was consecrated in 1436, following contributions from several different architects. Arguably the most significant was Filippo Brunelleschi, who designed the dome. At 149 feet (45.5 meters) in diameter, it was the largest structure of its kind anywhere in the world, and remains the largest brick and mortar dome in the world today. Climb the 463 steps (there’s no lift) of the dome for a superb panorama of the city. There is a fee to visit the dome.

Join the crowds in the Piazza del Duomo and pause to take in the cathedral’s impressive exterior. The pink, white and green marble of the façade was actually a late addition to the cathedral and completed in the late 1800s.

The 44 stained-glass windows depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments are among the highlights inside the cathedral. Don’t miss the giant clock above the entrance on the inside of the church. Designed in 1443, this clock is one of the last working examples of an hora italica timepiece, a 24-hour clock on which the last hour falls at sunset.

Santa Maria del Fiore is open daily, except for January 6 (Epiphany). Entry is free. While the lines to enter can be long, they generally move fast. If you are traveling in a group of more than four you may be required to take an audio or radio guide.

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Best Lodging Options Near Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

The Social Hub Florence Lavagnini

The Social Hub Florence Lavagnini

4 out of 5
Viale Spartaco Lavagnini 70 72, Florence, FI
The Social Hub Florence Lavagnini
Bernini Palace

Bernini Palace

5 out of 5
Piazza San Firenze 29, Florence, FI
Bernini Palace
c-hotels Ambasciatori

c-hotels Ambasciatori

4 out of 5
Via Luigi Alamanni 3, Florence, FI
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Grand Hotel Cavour

Grand Hotel Cavour

4 out of 5
Via del Proconsolo 3, Florence, FI
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 Hotel Calimala Florence

Hotel Calimala Florence

4 out of 5
Via Lamberti 5, Florence, FI
Hotel Calimala Florence
Hotel Paris

Hotel Paris

3 out of 5
Via Banchi 2, Florence, FI
Hotel Paris
Grand Hotel Baglioni

Grand Hotel Baglioni

4 out of 5
Piazza Unita Italiana 6, Florence, FI
Grand Hotel Baglioni
The Social Hub Florence Belfiore

The Social Hub Florence Belfiore

4 out of 5
Viale Belfiore, 55, Florence, FI
The Social Hub Florence Belfiore
IQ Hotel Firenze

IQ Hotel Firenze

4 out of 5
Via Camillo Cavour, 88, Florence, FI
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence is a must-visit for tourists. Enjoy guided photo tours to capture its stunning architecture, and don't forget to purchase your entrance tickets in advance. A dedicated Santa Maria del Fiore tour will enhance your experience, providing insights into its history and design. Additionally, consider a scenic walk from the Florence Cathedral to explore the surrounding area and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this historic city.

Shopping

For souvenirs, visit Central Market, a lively spot just 483m from the Cathedral, perfect for local goods. If you're up for a drive, check out The Mall Luxury Outlet, located 17.7km away, offering a range of luxury brands and family-friendly vibes.

Recreation

Experience the energy of Stadio Artemio Franchi, perfect for sports enthusiasts. At the Nelson Mandela Forum, unwind in a serene atmosphere focused on wellness and relaxation. For family fun, the Costoli Pool offers outdoor swimming and recreational activities, making it an ideal spot for everyone.

Adventure

Experience high-speed thrills at Mugello Circuit, located 27.4km from the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, where motor racing enthusiasts can enjoy exhilarating races. For a more leisurely adventure, FiesoleBike Day Tours, only 644m away, offers scenic outdoor cycling experiences amidst Tuscany's beautiful landscapes.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore by catching a show at the Teatro Verdi or Teatro della Pergola, both offering rich cultural experiences. For a unique outing, visit the Arcetri Observatory and explore the wonders of the night sky with family and friends.

Find the best attractions near Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

When visiting the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of the area. Explore the vibrant piazza, the stunning cathedral, and nearby art museums. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the iconic Duomo, also known as the Florence Cathedral, which offers a unique family experience and a deep dive into the city’s fascinating heritage.

  • Historic Centre of Florence: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this vibrant area is the heart of Florence, showcasing stunning Renaissance architecture, cobblestone streets, and a rich cultural atmosphere. You can explore iconic landmarks and indulge in local cuisine, immersing yourself in the city's artistic legacy.
  • Piazza di Santa Maria Novella: This lively square is renowned for its beautiful basilica and stunning architecture. It's a perfect spot to relax, enjoy a coffee, and soak in the vibrant city vibes, surrounded by historical buildings and lively street performances.
  • Uffizi Gallery: Home to one of the most important collections of Renaissance art, the Uffizi Gallery offers an unparalleled opportunity to view masterpieces by artists such as Botticelli and Michelangelo. It's a must-visit for art enthusiasts seeking cultural enrichment.

Best time to go to Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

Visitor numbers around Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore falls in July and August. July has slightly high visitor numbers and sunny weather. The coolest average temperature around Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February43.0°F (6.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March47.8°F (8.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May60.4°F (15.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June69.6°F (20.9°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
July75.2°F (24.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
August75.2°F (24.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
September67.3°F (19.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October58.8°F (14.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November50.2°F (10.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

To save money during your visit to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, consider exploring nearby free attractions like the Historic Centre of Florence, Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, and Ponte Vecchio. Travel during the cheaper months of January, February, or November, and aim to book your accommodation about a month in advance, ideally on a Tuesday for the best rates. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals and sort by price to uncover the best value. Additionally, package your hotel with flights and activities for extra savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to tailor your preferences, such as budget, desired location, and hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodations currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel reservation for the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.