Do not miss Florence’s magnificent view from the top of the Renaissance dome named Brunelleschi Dome, or the Duomo. Make sure you reserve your tickets in advance with a time slot to climb to the top of the dome, bell tower, and its museum next door.
I am always impressed by the gothic intricate styles and patterns that line every inch of its walls.
Definitely take some time to appreciate and study all the architecture, patterns, and colors it has to offer. I admire the designs as we wait for our time to enter.
We find our line amongst everyone else. We are all lined up according to our time schedules. The line grows quickly! We all are so anxious to head into the basilica and climb up the duomo!
The Climb
We ascended so many stairs-463 steps. Once we think we are done, there is another flight, and then another flight. This climb is highly recommended for people who are NOT afraid of heights or claustrophobic.
It helps to keep the end goal in mind to keep moving. Totally ok to stop and take frequent breaks, especially during the sweltering summer heat as we did–just make sure that it is done so appropriately and in a safe manner. There are areas that are forbidden to stay or stop in as noted here.
We do stop near the top of the ceiling of the basilica to admire the artwork above us.
Then, we continue on again through the narrow hallways, nook, and crannies, and glimpses of the outdoor views of us climbing ever higher. Each view is closer to the sky and more alluring than the next.
The view changes for the more frightful to those who are afraid of heights, but to me, evermore exciting as we gain altitude to see more between the span of my two eyes. We need to take a couple of breaks and feel rushed to not block anyone behind us who may be more athletically fit to climb faster than us. At times, there is only space for one person to go up or down. We wait patiently for others to pass. It is quite steep and narrow enough as is.
Breathtaking Views
We finally get to the top and what magnificent views! We see Florence 360 degrees around us and at such a great vantage point! The sun is hot, but I stay up there as long as I can to take in as many views and perspectives I am allowed.
My favorite view is overlooking Giotto’s Bell Tower. We are situated higher than the tower. The tower reservation was sold out, but I don’t let that bother me too much since I feel it is hard to top the view we have.
Though, I have heard that it is still recommended to go up the tower because it does provide a different perspective, looking at the duomo, which I am sure is a glorious view as well.
What else can you spot from up top?
More and more people arrive at the top. There is no time limit, sit on the stone benches provided and contemplate and enjoy the view. Just keep in mind that the longer we stay up there, the more people who are scheduled at other times will join too.
With that in mind, I take one last look and reluctantly make our way back to the stairs that lead us back down the way we came in. It was definitely less taxing and quicker going back down.
Taking a Break at the Caffeteria
After the fantastic, yet tiring trek up and down, we take a refreshment break at the cafe connected to the museum next to the Duomo. The selection is small and we wanted something refreshing and nonalcoholic. We asked for something off the menu. They whipped us up a fruit slushy in wine glasses with pieces of fruit. Feeling a bit more refreshed, we continued on our journey to its museum!
Il Grande Museo del Duomo
We also had to make a timed entry to this awesome museum. Within it is also the Opera del Duomo Museum which houses many Medieval and Renaissance masterpieces, art, and sculptures worth taking a look at.
They house the various architecture and sculptures that have changed in the facade of the building of the cathedral in the span of its 700-year history and counting.
There are many displays to ponder and admire.
We also learn much about how the history of the duomo and how it was built.
There are so many amazing places to visit in Florence, but climbing the duomo is definitely one of my most memorable highlights of Florence.
Click here for more details about this museum and my recommendations in Florence, Italy.