Skip the Line Florence Duomo Tour and Dome Climb with Secret Terraces

• Friendly Storytelling Guide

• Skip-the-Line Florence Cathedral Admission

• Access to the VIP Secret Terraces and Exclusive Circular Room

• Dome Climb to the Top of the Cupola

• Maximum Group Size of 15

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.

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 facade was deemed obsolete within decades of its opening. Learn about the immense scandal involving the Medici family, Popes and famous architects that led to an incomplete facade for centuries. Listen to the saga and appreciate the modern facade of white, green, and red marble that stands up worthily to the grandeur of the dome.

Skip the sometimes hours long line and head into the vast interior of the church. Appreciate the simplicity and white colors of the nave, symbolizing piety and religious devotion. Look up to the frescoes of the Last Supper that cover the Cupola's ceiling. You will see these impressive paintings up close soon when you have ascended to the top of the dome.

Brunelleschi's Dome

During the 14th and 15th century, Florentine architects had a major issue. They had to enclose the top of their in-construction cathedral without the use of the flying buttresses that had become commonplace in France especially. 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, learn about how the dome came to be.

Dome Climb and Exclusive Areas

Climb to the top of the dome with your expert guide. Head through the newly reopened secret terraces that most Florentines did not know existed. Closed to the public for centuries, these terraces provide a unique and stunning view that is the perfect appetizer for the panorama above.

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 is natural to compare these frescoes to Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel.

Only accessible on this tour, head to the the exclusive Circular Room. Here you will see the active restoration efforts of statues, paintings and more. Learn about the importance of these efforts in preserving art for the future.

The last stop of the day is the true climax. As you reach the summit of the dome, take in the incredible panorama of Florence surrounding. With a 360 degree view available, take in the beauty of the Renaissance capital that you will explore during your time in Florence.