Brunelleschi's dome

Definitely worth doing. Prepare yourself for the stairway in terms of claustrophobia and exertion. I was impressed by a variety of people that did it though. Some were struggling a lot. Even with a ticket and time booked, it was quite the lineup to get in, but it moved quickly. No explanations or guide, so I recommend finding a podcast that can explain it as you go up. The view from the lantern is amazing. Being able to see a frescos close-up, also very cool. You get to walk right alongside them. Some good plaques and museum pieces along the way.

Beautiful views of all of Florence and pretty well organized. It was roughly 30 euros for the ticket, (but gives you access to also to bunch of other cool things at the dome). The number of steps is significant, but for the height, traffic was very well organized and they made sure you will not run into anyone going up or down the stairs, (at least going the opposite direction of you). Beyond the views of the city, and the coolness factor of climbing, they organized some great exhibits of the history of the construction, and you can make out more of the domes painting. It also gives a great perspective of the sheer size of the cathedral. Definitely worth doing, and probably one of the best church climbs I've seen in Europe

Climbing the more than 400 steps to the top of this marvelous structure, whose construction remains a mystery, was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I arrived early because Italians have trouble properly marking where things are. Make the reservation online.

Its beautiful monument how our ancestors gave attention to details. Astounding work worth your time to admire it. Brunelleschi's Dome has 463 steps to the top, a journey that takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour and involves climbing through tight passages within the double-shelled dome. I have shared few photos of the visual experience inside and on the top of the dome. Once you start climbing you can't climb down in the middle, as you need to use same narrow flight of stairs to the top and climb down.

Gorgeous! The climb up can be difficult specifically at the end where it starts getting narrower and narrower. Be prepared for lots of people everywhere surrounding the Cathedral. At the middle of the way up, there's a stop to admire the dome then the second part continues until you arrive to the top of the dome. These tickets have to be bought in advance, the Brunelleschi Pass, it's very rare to get one on the same day.

The tickets said the wrong entrance so make sure you get in the right queue! Lots of steps up, though you go around the inside of the dome before the final ascent, with good views of the ceiling, so that is a bit of a rest, though staff members will tell you to keep going if you pause for long. The final part is between the inner and outer domestic, which is quite interesting, before admiring the views across Florence from the top. On coming down we had to go back outside and join the queue for the Reparata (crypt area) to get back in to see the ground level. The Baptistry, Giottos tower and museum were also included on the ticket, you can queue to visit at any time each one once on the same day or the next 2.

Brunelleschi looked at a cathedral with a giant hole in the middle and decided to build a dome without the usual forest of timber underneath. The result is a double shell of brick, eight-sided like the drum below, held in shape by ribs and hidden chains that work like barrel hoops. Up close the brickwork zigzags in a herringbone pattern, more like a locking stitch than neat masonry, and it is doing structural work, not decoration. The climb follows the logic: 463 steps squeezed between inner and outer skins, past the curve of Vasari and Zuccari’s Last Judgement, until you pop out near the lantern. From there Florence reads as geometry - red tiles, white ribs, and streets laid out like lines under a compass.

This is the most audacious piece of Renaissance engineering in the city. The climb moves through the tight space between the dome’s inner and outer shells, revealing the brick corridors that made this structure possible at a time when no one else could solve the problem of spanning such a massive octagon. The herringbone brick pattern, visible in several sections of the ascent, was Brunelleschi’s key innovation, locking each course into the next so the dome could rise without the wooden centering normally required. The interior gallery sits directly beneath the Last Judgment fresco, where the details of Zuccari and Vasari’s work come sharply into focus: skeletal figures, mythic beasts, and crowded tiers of the saved and damned arranged across the dome’s steep curvature. The contrast between the quiet stone passages and the overwhelming fresco cycle adds to the sense of scale. Near the top, the route passes under heavy beams and angled masonry originally used to stabilize the structure during construction, a reminder that the dome was built from within as the walls closed overhead. The ascent ends beside the lantern, where the view extends across Florence’s rooftops; an outlook earned through the same passages craftsmen once used while the dome was still an open shell.

The dome was designed without wood reinforcements, where the architect Brunelleschi used chains made of stone and wood locked together with iron to hold the dome in place. I have to remind you be prepared to climb 400+ very steep steps in order to get to the top. The view on top of the observatory is totally worth it.

An amazing thing to do in Florence. Climb the steps that are between the inner and outer dome. You will be able to walk next to the mosaics and then go outside and walk around the exterior of the dome. 360 view of the city and mountains. Spectacular event and time.

We had timed tickets and got on line to climb to the top of the dome it is the largest ever built and an iconic Florence landmark. We showed our ticket, went through metal detectors & had our bags checked & started our assent. This is not for small children, people with health problems or the claustrophobic. We weaved around the inside of the cupola twice and went on top of the dome. The stairs up & down were narrow and at times steep also. Sometimes they were spiral & sometimes we had a handrail. It was crowded and hot at 4:30, we got down at 5:30. The views of Florence were spectacular; just endless. The views of the cathedral & dome were spectacular.

What a disappointment!! Flavorless pasta with poorly cooked chicken! Oh and the bread was dry hard & stale! Oh and did I mention the waiter didn't order one of our meals? Please go somewhere else, it really awful!!

This attraction is amazing. I highly recommend getting there when they open. Check the times early so you can make the most of your visit. The ticket is only 10 euro and gets you into the cupola, bell tower, cathedral, baptistry and more. There are no lifts/ elevators so make sure you can handle walking 463 stairs one way. The bell tower in about another 300 stairs. It's every bit worth the climb. You can see all the way to the mountains beyond the city.

The Duomo. Literally one of the most amazing creations and beautiful churches of all time. Made in a time with no modern machines, each piece of marble cut by hand. Pictures don't to this church justice! You can climb to the top (463 stairs) and see the cupola (the dome). Definitely a MUST see when in Florence!

You gotta to do this at least once if you are in Florence. We bought ticket to climb to dome directly through their website www.ilgrandemuseodelduomo.it for 18€ per person. You can pick the time when you want to climb the dome. Unfortunately, the time is not exchangeable. It is 463 step and old narrow staircase. There are two levels to admire the Last judgement painting on the ceiling of the Duomo by Girogio Vasari and to rest or take a breath!. Once you get to the top, the view is so worthy! We climbed the dome during winter time... so it is not too crowded or hot... but in summer, I think it would be tougher since the stair is narrow and limited ventilation through tiny window. We did not climb the bell tower although I heard it is a bit easier since the stair case is roomy and plenty of room to rest. Tips: - bring water. You will need it! - good shoes, good accompanies to encourage you to climb. - if you have any problem walking, height, heart condition, you may want to sit this one out... there is no elevator and only one way up and down! - it is worth the view!

It took one week in Florence me to confirm but there's little denying: when in Florence, all roads lead to the Duomo. Why fight it? The only way to get to the top of that Duomo - the cupola - is to climb its 463 steps, one step at a time, through treacherously narrow, steep stairwells. You'll want to experience the Duomo while you're still mobile and healthy as it's simply not scalable for those who aren't. In addition to your legs and will, you'll need something else to get up there: a museum pass (Il Grande Museo Del Duomo, 15euro). The pass grants you timed admission to the Dome and Bell Tower, and general admission to the Crypt, Cathedral, and Baptistry (all visits must take place in a 48-hour period from first activating your pass). The wonderful things about the slog to the top are: * Getting high enough up to look down upon the tiny people visiting the Cathedral below; * Getting near enough for an up-close view of the artwork in the dome above; and * Standing atop the Duomo just before sunset, drinking in the beauty of Tuscany. I arrived atop the dome minutes after my son only to find that he'd secured the most optimal sunset viewing spot in existence. I crowded in beside him and as we stood, taking it all in, I asked how long we were going to hold that place. His response? "Until the sun sets". We were those people. Each of us served as the other's placeholder as we toured the viewing area in its entirety. I was baffled to see some people sitting on benches facing away from the sunset. If you go, know which direction the sun sets and work to get yourself a viewing space that looks out in that direction. I've no doubt that by the time I make any return trip to Florence I'll be too decrepit to make my way up here again. All the more reason to have done it now. If you're able, do the same.

Fourth time to Florence but my first time doing the dome climb. Usually, visiting the Florence Cathedral is free, but you can purchase a ticket that includes admission to the baptistry, the bell tower, and the dome (cupola). However, the bell tower and the dome have a timed entry. That's because only a certain number of people can do the climb at a time. Both are quite strenuous, but the cupola is tougher and far more rewarding in my opinion. It's 463 steps and there's no elevator. But going up is in stages. At one stopping point, you are at an octagonal walkway directly beneath Giorgio Vasari's Last Judgement fresco. It is quite a sight to behold. Several other sections include very tight quarters. You even see the spaces between the roof of the cathedral and its decorative ceiling. At the top, you get an incredible 360 bird's eye view of Florence. It's breathtaking and totally worth the extreme physical effort.

So beautiful, it almost looks fake, like a theater backdrop. Inside the church, you can silently observe the proceedings, or just examine the different aspects of the beautiful church interior. There is no ticket or fee to get inside the church. To climb the stairs and get the priceless view from the top of the church, you will have to purchase a ticket for 12€ in a separate venue than the church. Follow the signs to get to the ticket office/kiosks. These tickets will allow you to enter both the entire plaza. The climbs aren't easy. The staircases going up are the same as going down, and the stairs are big enough for 1.5 people, which can cause hold ups on both ways up and down. However, at the top, the view is beautiful. It's unhindered by any fence or wire, which is rough for my huge fear of heights, but the view of Italy quickly overrides the horror of falling to my death.

SIGNIFICANCE: One of the biggest architectural marvels is the free-standing dome (cupola in Italian) that stands atop the Duomo. The dome is named after Filippo Brunelleschi, a goldsmith-turned-architect/engineer who conceived the idea of the dome in its current form and won a competition to execute his idea. During Brunelleschi's lifetime the Duomo cathedral was still in construction - the Florentines wanted a cathedral that would surpass the grand cathedrals of its Tuscan neighbors. But a problem was realized; as the cathedral (like lots of other cathedrals) was in the shape of a cross, if the Florentines wanted to expand the nave and transept, the area where the arms cross would also get proportionally bigger and wider. How would this crossing be covered? Brunelleschi's approach was especially innovative as his proposal allowed for the dome to support itself during construction. At the time, much of the technology and methods used in creating the dome were revolutionary. As Brunelleschi didn't want any competitors taking away from his project he left no details of his grand plan. To this day the construction details remain a mystery, although some people have hypotheses about its construction. I could list what they are but it's outside the scope of a Yelp review so here's a documentary if you're interested: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkBaxFuh40E) *** Brunelleschi's cupola is what makes the Duomo so distinctive - it is *the* symbol most people associate with Florence. It is one of the biggest domes ever built and to this day still the biggest dome constructed via brick and mortar. One of the must-dos of any first-time visitor's trip to Florence is to climb to the top of the dome or the adjacent bell tower if you are physically able. Some people manage to do both. I was able to do both plus Torre Arnolfo of Palazzo Vecchio during my visit to Florence; this is how I justified eating as much pasta and gelato as I wanted. Admission to the cupola is included in your standard €18 admission ticket, which includes all the sights in the Duomo complex. The advantage is that you have 72 hours from the entry time of your first sight, which means you can spread out your dome and bell tower climbs over 1-2 days. However to climb the dome you must have a reservation for a specific time. Reservations can be made for free when you purchase your ticket online, and this is the recommended method if you really want to do the climb. Although you could schedule your climb in Florence, good luck finding a time. When I visited early-July, the climb was booked for at least 3 days out! - Note to people considering purchasing Firenze Card: you cannot make your reservation in advance without picking up your card in Florence. I would reconsider the Firenze Card if climbing the dome is one of your top priorities. - Or save yourself the hassle and buy the €30 guided tour "A Glimpse of Florence". Not only did I skip the lines to get into the Duomo, I didn't have to make a reservation for the dome climb. All of us got to climb the dome after our tour ended. Difficulty: This was the hardest of the 3 climbs I attempted. At 463 steps not only does it contain the most steps of the 3 climbs, there's not a lot of opportunities to catch your breath. In addition the stairs and climbing area get narrower as you go up, so expect one-way traffic and ascend or descend accordingly. The reward at the end of the climb is a 360 degree view of the city. You are first greeted with an excellent view of Giotto's bell tower. As much as I loved this view, my favorite views of the city have always included the dome as part of the view. Since you can't view something you're on top of, I highly recommend Giotto's bell tower or Torre Arnolfo in the Palazzo Vecchio as alternate climbs to experience an awesome view of the dome. I am most definitely NOT a religious person and most churches I could care less about its religious significance but I find Brunelleschi's cupola to be one of the few church structures I find to be objectively beautiful. The red brickwork complements the three colors of stones found in the cathedral itself. Not to mention Brunelleschi had many achievement "firsts" just to be able to construct the dome. There's a reason why many people considered the Renaissance period truly began with the completion of the dome.

Take the "skip the line" tour ... you get in depth information & can see more ... eat a good breakfast & a coffee & walk up.

Nothing defines Florence better than its Duomo, and nothing defines the Duomo better than its signature dome! Built centuries after the cathedral's construction by the genius Brunelleschi, the dome was and remained an architectural marvel even today. Although it's an extremely tough and cluster-phobic climb, the dome is a definitely worth a visit to fully appreciate the scale of this dome and the skyline of Florence. Because the central altar is roped off from the free section of the cathedral, the way up to the dome is the only way to see under the dome. From there, you can get a close-look at the impressive Vasari's Last Judgment fresco, which was intended to parallel Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel fresco! While Vasari's is nowhere near up to par to Michelangelo's because of his skill and lack of funding after, the colorful Last Judgment under the Duomo dome is still a sight to behold. After climbing more than 400 steps for perhaps 5-10 minutes (Depending on how slow people in front are), you will get a stunning view of Florence. Really, take a break and admire the view; you deserve it! You may be complaining about the climb on the way up, but I bet you will think it's worth it when you see from the tip of the dome. Now here's the hard part...While I recommend climbing this dome, I don't think it's for everyone especially if you are: 1) Physically unfit (Heart problem, etc. because you'll have to climb back down) 2) Clusterphobic (This is not the place to test that) 3) Short on time* *I added "short on time" because the line is ridiculously long without the Firenze Card. No matter what time I swing by in the day, the line to the dome is always long. The only way you can skip is the priority line reserved for Firenze Card holder. Florence has many things to see, and spending too much time waiting for one thing is a shame - if you want to see the Florence skyline, the Campanile and Palazzo Vecchio's tower has little to no wait and you are missing out only the dome fresco by choosing these alternatives. In short, I think climbing the dome is the complete experience to visit and appreciate the Florence Duomo! Vasari's Last Judgment and the skyline view make the climb worthwhile, but the wait will be ridiculous if you do not have the time or a Firenze Card. Also, don't forget to get the ticket from the office at the Duomo's northwestern corner even if you have the Firenze Card. It would be bad if you lasted through the wait for nothing. --- tl;dr version: 1) See Vasari's dome fresco and the stunning Florence skyline! 2) Tough, clusterphobic climb that is not meant for everyone but worthwhile if you are able 3) Ridiculously long line no matter what time that can be avoided only with Firenze Card

If you purchase the cumulative ticket, you can visit the museum, chapel and go up the dome but you'll have to wait in line that can wrap around the church. So if you plan on going up the dome, my tip is to purchase your ticket early, line up before it opens (meaning early) and be prepared to walk up about 400 steps. I made it to about 300 steps before a bit of claustrophobia started. They let you enter in small groups because part of the very narrow steps (close to the top) is a two-way walkway so you'll have to wait for people to come down/up or squeeze your way through. My husband was able to get to the top and he said the view was breathtaking. Another reason to do it early is because there's sunlight and cooler temperature inside. I hate to see how hot it gets inside when it's mid-day and a lot more people going up and down the steps.

Got to the plaza at 9:40am. Waited 2 hours in line. Climbing up the stairs took about 20 minutes. You can oversee the entire city from the top which was cool. However the view was almost the same as from the bell tower, which we didn't wait to get in at all. Also there were so many people it was almost depressing when stuck in the tiny staircase

Our daughter saw Rick Steve's PBS program...that was it. We got there...went into the cathedral...she asked after the cupola. Nonna (grandma) knows she cannot make the climb, so waited for us in the cathedral. The line was longish...we climbed up after I had to stop numerous times...nope, hubby and daughter did not need to stop...so I know...I need to start some sort of an aerobic class now... The view is incredible...even with dark clouds looming over us... The whole time coming back down...I was thinking about: -Narrow stairwells and steep steps (poorly lit) with people walking up and down at the same time (there should be a better plan to direct traffic) -Tourists who are in a hurry are pushing down! (I had to turn around to remind a Korean middle age woman who was obviously in a hurry to get down after seeing the beautiful site that I will fall if she pushes any more...like dominoes...the ones in front of me will fall too) -Best if they allow 500 people to go up and wait till they are back down before they allow more? -Can't imagine what or if they have a safety plan for fire or earthquake...there's only ONE way out... Well, we made it back down...still 5 stars for the site...the frescoes were amazing...8 Euros per person is nothing for a workout with a view.

Location: Right smack in the center of Florence. The place: The first thing that I did when I got there was to climb up to the cupola (wear comfortable shoes and bring water - it's quite a trek!) on an empty stomach. It's very cool to be inside the cupola and getting such a close look at it. There's a narrow walkway that takes you around the cupola and allows you to look down into the church. Once you are done here, you'll want to continue climbing up to the lookout at the top of the dome - the view of Florence is wonderful! Make sure to go on a sunny day! Be sure to buy the combo ticket via their official web site - it's a steal at 10 Euro, and includes the Duomo, Baptistery and Campanile. You skip the lines for all three BUT you will have to line up to get inside the church since it's free entry.

This was stop two after purchasing an all-access Duomo pass for 10 Euros. After a nice tour of the Florence Baptistery, we headed over to the Duomo Cathedral and made the hike up to the dome, which included climbing over 450 steps. Be warned the staircase gets quite narrow as you reach the top. The effort is worth it though, as the view is breathtaking, marking the highest point in all of Florence! Definitely worth a photo or twenty-seven ;)

This is an experience that you will find in few other places in the world. A climb up the walls of one of Italy's most famous churches, between the inner and outer domes of one of the greatest Renaissance architectural achievements, to the top of Florence with panoramic vistas of the city, of the Arno River, and of the Tuscan hillside. Yes, it costs 8 Euro, yes the line will probably be long, and yes it is not for the faint of heart (many steps, narrow passageways, no possibility of turning back) but if you can physically do it you must!

Between the Bell Tower and Dome, I personally preferred the climb up the Dome. Access is included with the Firenze Card, but I found it a bit confusing - there is a separate line but it is poorly marked. I also think you have to use your tickets the same day, when we thought we had 48 hours to use them. (See my review on the Firenze Card - money-saver but painful at times to say the least!) What I liked about the Duomo climb is that it gives you the same amazing views as the Bell Tower, but you get up close to the inside of the dome. From down below, I hadn't realized how intricate the paintings in the ceiling are - and also very macabre! It is a long climb - over 400+ stairs - and it was +30*C when we went! There are a few spots with narrow hallways and it was crowded at times. Bring water for sure! Overall it is well worth the wait, climb and effort to get to the top for 360* views of Florence.

Amazing. This dome is the iconic landmark of Florence. It looms above the city and comes into view from countless angles...how could you not want to climb it? It's 8 Euro and opens at 8:30 in the morning. I'd suggest going as early as possible for a few reasons: less people in line, less people climbing the claustrophobic staircases, less people rushing you when you're trying to look at the frescoes, less people at the top when you're taking in the view, and it's cooler in the morning. I don't care how awesomely in shape you are, 463 stairs warms you up. The view is breathtaking once you make it up and it's a great way to put everything into perspective. Inside, the frescoes are extremely dark and demonic...totally creepy and I love it. My brother pointed out that the floor tiles (if you can stomach looking down) are done in a cool perspective that looks like a reverse dome. So many details, so much history. It's really incredible to consider the engineering and execution of this monumental project. I climbed it 3 years ago and climbed it for the second time this morning, but it's just one of those things I'd do again in a heartbeat.

To me, the only part of the inside of the cathedral that stands out from other churches in the city is the inside of the dome itself. There are other churches in town with much shorter lines that are beautiful inside also. But the inside of the dome is breathtaking. Climb to the top for incredible 360-degree views of the city. It's a lot of steps and it's extremely tight for much of the climb, so claustrophobics may want to avoid going all the way to the top. There are two levels to stop at and admire without the cramped quarters.

One of the Earth's greatest pieces of art. The painted ceiling is magnificent. A great camera can capture a great story of the levels of heaven.