Complete Florence Duomo Tour with Dome Climb and Secret Terraces
View this charming city from the hidden terraces of Brunelleschi’s dome after touring the cathedral
Looking for a VIP Duomo experience? How about gazing out over Florence from the top of its most famous building? This small group tour lets you skip the line and explore all corners of this incredible cathedral with an expert local guide, including secret terraces that were off-limits for centuries. You’ll also be treated to a true once-in-a-lifetime experience, as you climb the Duomo’s famous dome for a simply perfect view across Florence.
- Meet your guide in Via Cavour, 12 Black. Florence
- Meet your expert guide
- Cathedral of Florence
- Last Judgement frescoes
- The Piazza del Duomo
- Brunelleschi's dome
- Secret Terraces and Circular Room access
- Your tour will end at the top of the Cupola
Your tour begins in the famous Piazza del Duomo—home to some of Florence’s most historic buildings and the Duomo itself. Your expert Florentine guide will share stories of the square’s history as you prepare to enter the Cathedral of Florence, where your skip-the-line tickets will get you straight past the sometimes hours-long line.
Once inside, you’ll be blown away by the Gothic architecture and incredible frescoes that cover the ceiling. After exploring the main part of the Duomo, you’ll have VIP access to the impressive Circular Room, and on to the once-hidden secret terraces. Finally, you’ll climb the steps to Brunelleschi's iconic dome roof for the very best views of Florence.
Florence Duomo Terraces Tour Description
Your 1.5-hour tour includes:
Skip-the-line Florence Duomo tickets
Special access to the Secret Terraces and Exclusive Circular Room
Fun, knowledgeable, English-speaking guide
Dome climb to the top of the Cupola
Maximum group size of 19
Meet Your Guide in Piazza del Duomo
The adventure begins in Piazza del Duomo. Home to the Duomo of Florence, Baptistery of Saint John, and Giotto's Bell Tower, the square is the heart of Florentine history. Your guide will describe the importance of the complex as you head towards the cathedral entrance, where your skip-the-line tickets will allow you to start exploring without the usual long wait.
The Duomo di Firenze, Florence Cathedral
Completed in 1436, the great Gothic Cathedral is one of the world's most unique and impressive churches. Originally clad in the medieval wooden style, the church's façade was deemed obsolete within decades of its opening. Your guide will tell fascinating stories about the immense scandal involving the Medici family, Popes, and famous architects that led to an incomplete façade for centuries. Listen to the saga and appreciate the modern façade of white, green, and red marble that adorns the dome today.
Within the vast interior of the church, you'll first be struck by the huge frescoes of the Last Judgement that cover the cupola's ceiling. You'll see these impressive paintings up close when you have ascended to the top of the dome. Other parts of the cathedral are more simple such as the white colors of the nave symbolizing piety and religious devotion.
Exclusive Areas
After you've discovered the main part of the Duomo, it's time to visit the places the general public don't get to see. First, you'll enter the exclusive Circular Room, where the 16th-century statues that used to be part of the cathedral's façade are stored. Next you'll visit the secret terraces that were closed off to the public for hundreds of years, and many Florentines never even knew they existed! From here, you'll get a close-up view of the details that make the Duomo such an impressive piece of architecture. And of course, you'll also get a tremendous view of the city below.
Brunelleschi's Dome
During the 14th and 15th centuries, Florentine architects had a major issue to solve. They had to enclose the top of their cathedral without the use of the flying buttresses that had become commonplace in European construction. In Florence, the buttresses were seen as horribly ugly and therefore banned from being used in the city.
With this handicap and the lack of modern engineering tools, Filippo Brunelleschi's dome becomes even more impressive. Standing nearly 500 feet in the air, and constructed of layers of dome structures, you'll learn the story how the dome came to be.
Dome Climb and Terraces
Finally, you'll climb to the top of the dome with your expert guide. As you near the top of the cupola, admire the frescoes across the dome ceiling. Painted by Giorgio Vasari beginning in 1568 and completed by Federico Zuccari a decade later, it's natural to compare these frescoes to Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel.
Accessed via the exclusive Circular Room and secret terraces—which are only available as part of this tour—the dome climb is a truly unforgettable experience. As you reach the summit, take in the incredible panorama of Florence surrounding. With a 360-degree view, you'll see the epic beauty of the Renaissance capital in all its glory.
What you get with this tour
See what people are saying
42 total reviews
Leave a reviewSundeep Sandhu
Excellent tour
Ashlyn Bassiri
Highly recommend this tour! The tour guide was knowledgeable and experienced. You start outside of the Duomo and proceed in. The climb is significant but beyond worth the effort for the views of the dome inside and out as well as the surround city.
Jan Hurley
Giacomo our guide was amazing - great detail on the history and lots of humorous commentary to accompany it. It was a great experience
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
Some water and comfortable shoes! Since this is a religious site, you'll also need clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
What to bring?
Some water and comfortable shoes! Since this is a religious site, you'll also need clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
Is there a dress code to enter the religious sites on this tour?
We ask both men and women to cover their knees and shoulders, otherwise, the Duomo might refuse entry. We understand the summers in Florence can be hot, so a great alternative is to bring a shawl/scarf/sweater with you. That way you can cover your knees and shoulders when necessary.
What if I have concerns about my mobility?
This is a walking tour, and the steps to reach the top of the dome are very steep. We wouldn't recommend this tour for people with mobility issues or severe vertigo. If you have concerns about your mobility, consider a Private Florence Tour as this can be more easily tailored to your needs.
Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?
This tour is run by one of our trusted and vetted partners in Florence.
What happens if it rains?
We run our Duomo tours rain or shine. In case of rain please be very careful while climbing to the Terrace.
Is lunch included in the price of the tour?
No, lunch is not included in this tour.
Does this tour include hotel pickup?
No, hotel pickup is included on this tour. You’ll meet your guide at the designated meeting point in No, hotel pickup is included on this tour. You’ll meet your guide at the designated meeting point in Via Cavour 12, Florence.
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