Piazza del Duomo in Duomo

Piazza del Duomo

Giotto’s Bell Tower, the resplendent Baptistery, as well as the cathedral and its dome draw the crowds to this square in the heart of the city.

Join the bustling crowds, vendors and street performers in the cultural and geographical heart of Florence, the Piazza del Duomo. The cathedral for which the square is named is a spectacular centerpiece. In its shadow you will find several other historical, artistic and architectural treasures.

The Gothic facades of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Giotto’s Bell Tower (Campanile di Giotto), make a striking first impression with pink, green and white marble designs standing out from the stone colors of the buildings around them. Enjoy an uninterrupted panorama of one of Europe’s most beautiful cities from the top of either building. Climb the dome’s 463 steps for breathtaking views towards the Tuscan hills.

Directly opposite the entrance to the cathedral is the Baptistery of St. John, one of Florence’s oldest buildings. It was built between 1059 and 1128. The octagonal structure is renowned for the three sets of bronze doors on the northeast and south entrances. Each set is made up of several panels depicting biblical scenes. The most famous is the Gates of Paradise on the east side. The interior of the baptistery is often compared to the Pantheon of Rome, with its ornately decorated walls and marble inlays arranged in geometrical patterns.

Explore the east of the piazza to see the Duomo Works Museum (Museo dell'Opera del Duomo). This building contains several artworks originally commissioned for the dome. Find a superb collection of Gothic sculptures by artists such as Donatello, as well as the original Gates of Paradise.

Walk through the grand arches of the Loggia del Bigallo on the corner of Via dei Calzaiuoli and Piazza San Giovanni and see more devotional works such as frescoes and a painted cross that date back to the 14th century.

You can easily spend a day taking in the attractions of the piazza. The crowds can be busy, but you needn’t feel rushed. Pull up a seat in the shade, enjoy a panini or gelato from one of the many food vendors and watch the comings and goings in the heart of one of the world’s most beautiful cities.

You'll find it hard to believe how many activities there are at Piazza del Duomo. Here are some ideas to get you started:

For many more activities, examine our Florence things to do page.

Guide to Exploring around Piazza del Duomo

Ponte Vecchio

Take a trip over Florence’s iconic bridge, spared by the Nazis for its beauty and home to jewelers for more than four centuries.

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Piazza della Signoria

This lively square is home to Michelangelo’s David, as well as numerous cafés, the world-famous Uffizi and an outdoor sculpture gallery.

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San Lorenzo Church

One of the oldest and largest churches in Florence is also one of the city’s earliest examples of Renaissance design.

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Basilica of Santa Croce

Glorious tombs mark the resting place of Michelangelo, Galileo and many other Italian greats in the largest Franciscan church in the world.

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Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo)

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

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Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi)

Art lovers will be in their element in this famous museum, home to the most extensive and important collection of masterpieces in the world.

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Pitti Palace (Palazzo Pitti)

This former royal residence now showcases the extensive collections of the Medici family, with seven galleries containing some of the finest artworks in Florence.

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Boboli Gardens

Take a deep breath and enjoy a relaxing walk or scenic picnic in these iconic Florentine gardens with shady avenues, tranquil ponds and historic sculptures.

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Bargello

Florence’s most prestigious collection of sculptures is displayed in this magnificent building, which is both a historical palace and an art museum.

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Florence Baptistery

View the iconic “gates of paradise,” admire the unique architectural structure and study exquisitely detailed mosaics in this incredible 11th-century baptistery.

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Map

Best Lodging Options Near Piazza del Duomo

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Maxim Axial CA $61

Per night/room

Dec. 16 - Dec. 17

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Maxim Axial

Via Dei Calzaiuoli 11, Florence, FI

3.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Duomo, this hotel is steps away from Via de' Calzaiuoli, Florence Baptistery and Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower. Piazza della Signoria and Piazza del Duomo are also within 5 minutes. Florence Santa Maria Novella Station is 11 minutes by foot and Stazione Porta al Prado, Florence, Italy is 21 minutes.

Grand Hotel Cavour CA $143

Per night/room

Dec. 11 - Dec. 12

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Grand Hotel Cavour

Via Del Proconsolo 3, Florence, FI

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Duomo, this family-friendly Florence hotel is steps away from Badia Fiorentina and Bargello. Piazza del Duomo and Palazzo Vecchio are also within 5 minutes. Florence Santa Maria Novella Station is 14 minutes by foot and Florence Campo Di Marte Station is 23 minutes.

c-hotels Ambasciatori CA $87

Per night/room

Dec. 20 - Dec. 21

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c-hotels Ambasciatori

Via Luigi Alamanni 3, Florence, FI

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Santa Maria Novella, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Via Faenza, Santa Maria Novella Basilica and Museum and Fortezza da Basso. Florence Baptistery and San Lorenzo Church are also within 15 minutes. Florence Santa Maria Novella Station is only a 3-minute walk and Stazione Porta al Prado, Florence, Italy is 11 minutes.

Orto De Medici Hotel CA $127

Per night/room

Dec. 15 - Dec. 16

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Orto De Medici Hotel

Via San Gallo 30, Florence, FI

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in San Lorenzo, this romantic hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Piazza San Marco, Gallery of the Academy of Florence, and Statue of David. San Lorenzo Church and Florence Baptistery are also within 10 minutes. Florence Santa Maria Novella Station is 13 minutes by foot and Florence Statuto Station is 17 minutes.

Grand Hotel Minerva CA $188

Per night/room

Dec. 14 - Dec. 15

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Grand Hotel Minerva

Piazza Santa Maria Novella 16, Florence, FI

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Santa Maria Novella, this romantic hotel is steps away from Piazza di Santa Maria Novella and Santa Maria Novella Basilica and Museum. Florence Baptistery and San Lorenzo Church are also within 10 minutes. Florence Santa Maria Novella Station is 5 minutes by foot and Stazione Porta al Prado, Florence, Italy is 15 minutes.

Hotel Pitti Palace al Ponte Vecchio CA $131

Per night/room

Dec. 11 - Dec. 12

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Hotel Pitti Palace al Ponte Vecchio

Borgo S.Jacopo, 3/r, Florence, FI

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Oltrarno, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Ponte Vecchio, Pitti Palace and Piazza della Signoria. Uffizi Gallery and Palazzo Vecchio are also within 10 minutes. Florence Santa Maria Novella Station is 16 minutes by foot and Stazione Porta al Prado, Florence, Italy is 23 minutes.

Hotel Laurus al Duomo CA $143

Per night/room

Dec. 10 - Dec. 11

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Hotel Laurus al Duomo

Via Cerretani, 54r, Florence, FI

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Duomo, this hotel is steps away from Via de' Tornabuoni and Florence Baptistery. Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower and San Lorenzo Church are also within 5 minutes. Florence Santa Maria Novella Station is 6 minutes by foot and Stazione Porta al Prado, Florence, Italy is 19 minutes.

Hotel Spadai CA $115

Per night/room

Dec. 16 - Dec. 17

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Hotel Spadai

Via dei Martelli, 10, Florence, FI

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Duomo, this hotel is steps away from Palazzo Medici Riccardi, San Lorenzo Church and Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower. Florence Baptistery and Piazza del Duomo are also within 5 minutes. Florence Santa Maria Novella Station is 10 minutes by foot and Stazione Porta al Prado, Florence, Italy is 21 minutes.

Piazza del Duomo

Piazza del Duomo