If a person were going to reserve a climb of the Duomo in advance and had a full range of time options to select from, are there better times of the day to make the climb? e.g. when lighting or views would be better, it would be more comfortable during the climb, etc.?
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15119 posts
The best views (with the most famous sights) that you probably want to photograph is to the south, therefore you may want to avoid the midday hours when the sun is going to be in front.
Very early morning or later near sunset would be good, hopefully it’s going to be a sparkling clear day and not a hazy one, which is common in the summer months.
In terms of temperatures, if you travel in summer, Florence gets unbearable heat starting from mid morning and increasingly so later in the day. At least the walls are thick so inside it won’t be too bad in the morning.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15119 posts
I would like to add that the absolute best view of Florence is from Forte Belvedere. Unfortunately, after an accident years ago, when some stupid teenagers decided to jump from the ramparts (and died), it may open only during special exhibits. It was a great place for us to gather when we cut school in high school. Check it out when you are there, if there is something going on it should be open.
http://museicivicifiorentini.comune.fi.it/en/fortebelvedere/
Posted by
65 posts
I was just in Florence and believe climbing the bell tower vs. the duomo is a better idea. Just as nice a view, shorter line (5-10 minutes), and cheaper.
Rick
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
15778 posts
climbing the bell tower vs. the duomo is a better idea. Just as nice a
view, shorter line (5-10 minutes), and cheaper.
Rick, unless things have recently changed (always a possibility) there is only one ticket/pass available to access any part of the duomo complex that requires an entry fee (dome, museum, campanile, baptistry) and it's cumulative, meaning lower-priced tickets aren't available JUST for individual structures. The ticket/pass is 18€ (adult price), good for 72 hours and covers entry to all parts of the complex.
https://grandemuseodelduomo.waf.it/en/cumulative-ticket-great-museum-of-the-cathedral-of-florence
So, the campanile isn't "cheaper" than the dome but I'd agree that queues are shorter, or it's easier to get a pre-reserved time slot for that one.
Posted by
65 posts
Kathy,
You are correct on the price. I mis-spoke. I got some excellent photos of the folks on top of the Duomo from my perch atop the campanile though.
One other benefit I did not mention. The Duomo climb can be rather hot and stuffy whereas the bell tower is wide open for most of the way with a nice breeze blowing through it.
Rick