The Duomo Complex of Florence and Its Hidden Terraces

Ciao Florence Sales Office - Via Cavour, 18 black. Meet your guide at Via Cavour, 12 black, at the Sales Office. Follow your guide to Duomo square, where the majestic Duomo Complex is. As you stand below this grandiose building, prepare for the experience of a lifetime! Not only will you explore inside the cathedral, but you will also go to a secret, picture-perfect terrace and have the opportunity to climb to the very top of Brunelleschi’s dome. From below, these high points may look small, but from above, they are truly breathtaking! When your group has arrived, your guide will give you a short description of the Cathedral complex, including some background information about the architecture and its unique colors. Skip the line passes are included in this tour, so quickly walk with your guide to the front of the line, pass through security, and you will be ready to discover the secrets of the Florence Duomo!

Piazza del Duomo, Florence. Your licensed guide for Santa Maria del Fiore will go into vivid detail about the church and its fascinating history. You will learn why, unlike many others in Italy, the Florentines decided to keep the inside of Santa Maria del Fiore stark, with less decorations and elaborate frescoes. Discover the stories behind the cathedral's artwork, until you reach the front and look up - it is Brunelleschi’s dome. The frescoed dome is truly breathtaking! As the highlight of Santa Maria del Fiore, you will be eager to see it upclose… Follow your guide up a small set of stairs to the “hidden terrace.” A guard will unlock the door, and you will have complete access to a secret balcony. Admire panoramic views of Florence from above, as well as incredible access to the best photo spot right next to the dome. You will walk back in through a secret room of old statues which were previously placed outside of the Cathedral. The tour will last about an hour. 

Brunelleschi's Dome (Cupola), Florence. At this point, your guided tour will end. You will skip the line and climb to the very top of the dome! Climb a small set of stairs, which lead to a balcony directly beside the dome’s frescoes. Vasari’s frescoes will be within hands-reach, and you will be able to admire the detail with a new appreciation. Then, you will reach another set of spiral staircases. Climb up, and you will reach the most beautiful view of Florence you can imagine… at the very top of Brunelleschi’s Dome! Enjoy taking some unforgettable photos, then relax on one of the benches and admire the view. You can see the entire Florence skyline! Even some of the largest churches in Florence and fortresses in the hills look small in comparison to the view from above. Whenever you are ready to complete your time at the Florence Duomo, you can head down the steps and exit. This is a once in a lifetime experience where you can see the Cathedral and Dome from a completely different perspective. 

Florence Duomo Complex, Florence. At this point, your guided tour will end. You will skip the line and climb to the very top of the dome! Climb a small set of stairs, which lead to a balcony directly beside the dome’s frescoes. Vasari’s frescoes will be within hands-reach, and you will be able to admire the detail with a new appreciation. Then, you will reach another set of spiral staircases. Climb up, and you will reach the most beautiful view of Florence you can imagine… at the very top of Brunelleschi’s Dome! Enjoy taking some unforgettable photos, then relax on one of the benches and admire the view. You can see the entire Florence skyline! Even some of the largest churches in Florence and fortresses in the hills look small in comparison to the view from above. Whenever you are ready to complete your time at the Florence Duomo, you can head down the steps and exit. This is a once in a lifetime experience where you can see the Cathedral and Dome from a completely different perspective.