
That’s over 140 years! The temple is named in honour of Santa Maria del Fiore, or “ Saint Mary of the Flowers.” Mary is often associated with flowers, especially in Italian culture.

This magnificent Cathedral began its construction in 1296 but wasn’t completed until 1436. Now let’s turn to the other side of the square and the great Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore. The colour is derived from the prevalence of ammonite fossils in the rock, which imbues the limestone with that stunning pinkish hue. The pinky-red stone you can see is limestone from mines near Florence. Serpentine is named as such because the texture of the marble resembles that of snakes skin. The green marble which you can see decorating the exterior is actually serpentine stone, which came from Prato, a few miles northwest of Florence. Carrara has long been used by artists for sculptures, so it seemed only fitting that the most magnificent artwork of them all – the Cathedral – was itself draped in marble. The main white marble you see is Carrara marble. But using it in such large proportions meant that your city looked like it was worth its weight in gold. Marble didn’t come cheap even if it was close by. But what else did Florence have that others didn’t? Money and lots of it. Florence’s proximity to the marble mines meant that getting such large pieces quickly was a possibility other countries didn’t have. Although few others from this period survive, the Duomo is a reflection of this time. In the Middle Ages, Florence was going through a stylistic period where many of their important buildings were created out of marble. It also features the original Baptistery doors and some of the gorgeous robes the priests wear for various events throughout the catholic calendar. My favourite part of your ticketed entry is the museum which features some of the original artwork and sculptures which once stood inside the church. Wake up early and you’ll find the lines are the least long. But if you have time to spare or are immensely interested in the interior artworks then you should make the effort to see it. Seeing the exteriors are just as impressive and there is so much more to see in Florence which is more important than waiting in line. If you’re pressed for time – I would say give the interiors a miss. Some people love climbing the tower and dome inside the cathedral to get to the view at the top but just be prepared to wait in line. The best interior of the group is that of the Baptistry – whose mosiacs are out of this world. While the frescoes on the dome are stunning, the rest of the interior could be skipped. I honestly prefer the interior of Santa Croce far more to this rather bare interior. This is such a common hack that you’ll almost always find women selling scarves outside churches in the summer. If you’re wearing short-shorts or short skirts, you can also use the scarf to tie around your waist to cover up.

This was I can throw it on when entering these churches but still keep cool throughout the day. I usually keep a long scarf in my knapsack with me in the summer when I’m wearing a dress or t-shirt that doesn’t cover my shoulders. This means your shoulders and knees must be covered, and you can’t wear your hats inside. Since this is a religious site, be sure your clothing is appropriate for entry. You cannot change this time after booking and must be there within 15 minutes of your pre-selected time-slot. The best way to buy your ticket inside is online and in advance, so you can assure yourself access into the Duomo’s attractions.Īdults: €18 (if booking online there is an extra €2 pre-booking fee)Ĭlimbing the Dome: When booking online you need to select the time when you want to do the dome climb. These attractions are all included in one ticket, so if you want to visit just one, you’ll still have to pay the same price as visiting them all.

#Duomo florence free
While exploring the interior of the Duomo is free you’ll need a ticket if you want to see the inside of the Baptistery, to climb up the bell tower or the dome and visit the Duomo Museum. The museum will be closed on the first Tuesday of each month.
