How to climb the Brunelleschi Dome (Florence): schedules, ticket prices

One of the most interesting activities you can do during your Florence sightseeing tour es go up to the Brunelleschi Dome viewpoint, In  cathedral Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore.

The panoramic views of Florence What you have from said viewpoint are really fascinating, and give you different perspectives than the panoramic views of the Tuscan city from the popular Piazzale Michelangelo viewpoint.

But, above all, you will be able to see up close the frescoes that decorate the interior vault, and ascend the “bowels” from the dome itself.

Surely you already know that this dome is one of the most spectacular architectural works in the world. Renacimiento, made by the architect and sculptor Filippo Brunelleschi. from the beginning of the 15th century to the middle of the 16th century.

Curiosities about the history of the Brunelleschi Dome in Florence

The one known as Dome of Brunelleschi It owes much of its interest to the fact that at that time its construction was a great architectural milestone.

Was the first octagonal double-sandwich dome which was built without the need to install scaffolding.

When was Brunelleschi's Dome built?

Previously in the Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore There was a wooden dome, which in 1419 it was decided to replace.

For this, a contest was called, which was won Brunelleschi against your competitor Lorenzo Ghiberti, author of the famous Gates of Paradise of the Baptistery of Saint John.

After using an original construction system, and with machinery specifically designed to be able to lift the large stones and the four million bricks used in the roof, the Dome of Brunelleschi It was built between 1420 and 1437.

What dimensions is Brunelleschi's Dome?

With a total width of 46 meters, the then new dome of the Duomo in Florence weighs 37.000 tons.

For its construction Brunelleschi had been inspired by the double-sandwiched circular dome of the Pantheon of Rome built in 128.

La Dome of Brunelleschi It is topped with an octagonal lantern located at the top of it, which was completed in the year 1461.

From the ground of Duomo To the lantern of the dome there are 107 meters.

This is the experience of climbing Brunelleschi's Dome

Now, for our experience I'll tell you in advance that climb the dome of the Duomo in Florence It is not an exercise suitable for everyone.

The last two sections of the climb are really narrow and steep, so they are physically demanding, and can be daunting for some people.

In addition, the great height of the dome's viewing platform and its open railing can cause some vertigo.

But I don't want to scare you because, in any case, it is a very interesting experience, and it is totally worth the courage to enjoy the incredible panoramic views of Florence that the dome viewpoint offers us.

To climb to the top of the Duomo dome It is not necessary that you enter the interior of the cathedral, as you have direct access through the north façade of the building. Santa Maria del Fiore.

It will be easy for you to find it, as you will surely see a line of people waiting for their turn to go up to the dome.

How to skip lines at the Brunelleschi Dome

Very important to know that for avoid queues, currently it is It is essential to buy tickets in advance to climb the Brunelleschi Dome in the Duomo of Florence.

Once you enter the interior of the building, you begin to climb the first stretch from the rise to the dome viewpoint.

The stairs are wide and not too steep, so you won't have too much trouble going up them.

Soon you reach a first inner ring that is located under the vault of Brunelleschi's dome; It is time to appreciate the frescoes that decorate it.

Painted at the end of the 16th century, they represent various scenes of the Final judgment and were made by Giorgio Vasari y Federico Zuccaro in 1579.

You cannot stop too long in this ring, as it is actually a very narrow corridor and there is only space for one person to walk, so you will have to see the frescoes as you go to the door leading up to the viewpoint.

What is the staircase like to climb Brunelleschi's Dome?

From now on, you must climb a second section down a very narrow and steep spiral staircase, which you will also have to share with those who are already descending from the dome.

This is the most uncomfortable section of the climb to the viewpoint of the dome of the Duomo in Florence.

Soon you reach a wider hallway through which you will go to the last section, the staircase that takes you up to the viewpoint.

Without the need to share it with those who come down, it is a very steep staircase that you can see how it rests directly on the interior vault of the dome.

At this point you find yourself in the intermediate space that separates the exterior roof of the dome from the interior vault.

That is, in the middle of the architectural solution of the double sandwich that characterizes the Brunelleschi's dome.

Viewpoint of the dome of the Duomo in Florence

Finally, you reach the inner base of the dome lantern and you only have to climb a few steps, the steepest of the entire climb and the ones that lead you to the exterior viewpoint.

How many steps do you have to climb in Brunelleschi's Dome?

In total you will have risen 463 steps.

It's time to enjoy the panoramic views of Florence and having a good time trying to identify the most famous historical buildings in the city and seeing the landscapes that surround the city.

To go down, you will again descend another steep staircase that extends over the vault, and you will have to share, now on the descent, the very narrow spiral staircase.

This way you will reach the interior of the vault again, but this time to a ring that is at a higher level than the ring on the way up, so you will be able to see the frescoes even closer.

And, finally, comes the easiest section of the descent, going down a wide staircase with no excessive inclination.

The complete excursion to exterior gazebo of the Dome of the Duomo in Florence can take you over an hour and a half, without considering the waiting time in the entrance queue, and depending on the time you stay at the dome lantern viewpoint.

In sum, one of the most recommended visits What you can do in Florence.

Viewpoint hours Duomo dome in Florence

The  schedules to climb the dome of the Duomo in Florence Mondays, from 9:45 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.; Tuesdays to Fridays, from 8:15 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.; Saturdays, from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and Sundays and holidays, from 12:45 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Brunelleschi dome ticket prices

If in your visit of the Duomo you just want go up to the dome, the entrance price is 20 euros, with a reduced price of 10 euros for children from 7 to 14 years old, and free entry for children under 7 years old.

But you also have the option to buy the Bunelleschi Pass which also includes the Baptistery, the Campanile (Giotto's Bell Tower) and the Duomo Museum, which costs 30 euros.

How to buy tickets in advance

Now, as I have already mentioned, nowadays it is essential Buy tickets to the Dome in advance of your visit.

You can also make the visit by signing up for a tour with a guide in Spanish, With which you will go up to Brunelleschi's Dome without waiting in lines.

This tour lasts one hour and after descending from the dome, the ticket will also allow you to visit the Baptistery, the Duomo crypt and the Opera museum, on your own.

Tours in Spanish in Florence

Finally, if, as I like to do on trips, when I arrive in a city with great tourist attractions, you want to sign up for a tour, here you have several Florence tours in Spanish, and also, here you have Tours and activities in English and other languages.

Specifically, you can complement the ascent to the dome with a guided tour of the Duomo cathedral which is done with a guide in Spanish.

You can also combine the Guided tour of Florence including the Uffizi and Accademia Galleries, without the need to queue.

In addition to deepening your cultural knowledge about the capital of Tuscany, you can sign up for excursions to nearby cities, such as Pisa or Siena.