Skip the Line Florence Duomo Tour and Dome Climb with Secret Terraces
Visit Brunelleschi's Famous Dome and see the Best Views of Florence from Above
Join this tour for a VIP experience in Florence. Walk through the city's famous Gothic cathedral before heading to the dome with an expert storytelling guide. Over 100 feet above ground, discover Florence's panorama from the exclusive terraces that had been closed to the public for centuries. From the terraces, head to a secret area accessible only on this tour, before heading to the top of the Cupola. At the top, take in the stunning panorama of Florence with incredible frescoes up close.
Tour Details
- VIP Dome Climb Tour
- Meet your Guide Near the Baptistry
- Exclusive Skip the Line Access
- Inside the Duomo Cathedral
- Last Judgement Frescoes Close Up
- Brunelleschi's Epic Dome
- Secret Terrace Access and Views
- Views from the Top of the Dome
Can you imagine looking over Florence from nearly 500 feet in the air? Climb the symbol of Florence, Brunelleschi's Dome. Head to the top of the cupola, explore the secret terraces, and tour the impressive Cathedral, all with Skip-the-Line access. Your local expert guide will explain the history of the church and the conundrum Brunelleschi solved. The solution is one of the most impressive architectural feats in the European history. This 90 minute tour includes:
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.
See what people are saying
2 total reviews
Leave a reviewGreat views and interesting information
The guide that told us about the cathedral was very interesting, telling us the symbolism of the paintings and explaining the very impressive dome painting. The view from the terraces was very impressive, and at the very top of the cathedral you could see the whole of Florence. The only thing is the steps towards the top are very steep, the last few steps to get out onto the terrace was practically a ladder. One lady on the tour with us was unable to make it to the top.
Incredible Views
Wow, Florence is so beautiful. We learned so much on this tour with the guide. It was a great time, there were a lot of stairs but the views were so worth it!
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