The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is the principal church of the Catholic Archdiocese of Florence and ranks as the third largest church in the world. It is composed of the cathedral, bell tower, and baptistery, representing not only a grand scale but also the emblematic architecture of the early Renaissance period. The cathedral’s façade, featuring a 19th-century Gothic Revival style, is constructed with marble blocks of varying shades of white, green, and pink, creating a colorful and harmonious exterior. In 1982, the cathedral was inscribed as part of the Historic Centre of Florence in the UNESCO World Heritage List. After entering the church, one can climb to the dome through a side door, requiring 463 steps to reach the top, offering a panoramic view of the entire city of Florence. The cathedral’s bell tower, an example of Gothic architecture, stands 85 meters high, with six layers of square structures stacked vertically into a pillar shape, and its exterior is clad in white marble, adding to the cathedral’s grandeur with its pure elegance. Opening hours are as follows: From January 1st to September 27th, Monday to Saturday, 10:10 AM to 3:45 PM; from September 29th to December 31st, Monday to Saturday, 10:10 AM to 3:45 PM; Sundays and religious holidays are closed, including September 28th. The opening times for the baptistery are 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM, with the first Sunday of each month from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM, and August 4th from 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM. The museum is open from 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM, closed on the first Tuesday of each month. The bell tower operates from 8:15 AM to 6:45 PM. The crypt is open from Monday to Saturday, 10:15 AM to 4:00 PM, and Sunday from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM. The dome’s visiting hours are from Monday to Friday, 8:15 AM to 6:45 PM, Saturday from 8:15 AM to 4:30 PM, and Sunday from 12:45 PM to 4:30 PM. Please note that the opening times for these attractions are subject to frequent changes; it is recommended to check the official website for the most current information: https://duomo.firenze.it/en/home#times. Concessions are available for children aged 6 and under. Please be aware that these policies apply to paid areas such as the dome and museum within the scenic area. Essential tips: 1. Be vigilant of pickpockets around the church entrance; 2. Do not use flash when taking photos inside the church, and it is advised against taking photos of the skeletal remains in the basement; 3. The queues for the dome and bell tower can be long, and there are no elevators, requiring over 400 steps to climb. Please consider your physical condition.
