Florence - Duomo passes for October visit

I like the duomo climb and view much better, plus there’s something so majestic and awesome about it. I’ve only done it in March and December. The line was long in December, but moved surprisingly fast. In March, I was the first to line up for my time, so can’t say for sure if the line was long or not. I did the other climb both times (after the duomo) by just walking up since there was no line.

I bought 2 Giotto Passes on-line last month for our visit to Florence in mid-October. Because we are under time constraints, standing in line (any sort of line) to by on-site tickets was a non-starter. After reading the descriptions of the 3 passes, we decided on the shorter climb of the bell tower. Plus, as Rick says in his book, you then get a view of the Duomo.

If I had to choose, I'd choose the dome over the campanile. I've done both more than once and always find the view from inside the dome (looking down the nave of the Duomo) and then the view from the top of the dome amazing. I'd recommend purchasing in advance to avoid any disappointment.

thanks all for responding to my post! I think I will opt for the Brunelleschi Pass but wait to buy it until I am there.

I was in Florence for a Rick Steves tour which ended September 18th. I wanted to climb the duomo so I booked in advance. I was able to book the first slot of the day, after my tour ended, at 8:15 am. When we arrived, there was already a line. Most of those in line already had tickets. Be advised, they had employees combing the lines for people with bags. You will be required to check your bag as they are not allowed in. As you climb, the stairwell gets very narrow…and short. I’m a relatively tall woman (5’9) and I had to duck more as we climbed higher. It was so worth it though! Given the line, I do highly recommend booking your tickets in advance. When you book the Brunelleschi Pass, you will be required to select your duomo time slot.

I'm reading this with great interest, as I have to make the same decision about Duomo passes this week. Rick Steve's comments about the Duomo climb being claustrophobic has me a bit concerned. I was fine in the Great Pyramid at Giza. I'm a bit concerned about covid and other viruses in this situation, though. I'm wondering how ventilated it is.

The Duomo dome climb (Brunelleschi pass) is clearly more popular than the climb up the Bell Tower (covered by the Giotto Pass) based on my search for Oct 11, 12, 13. So if I decide to wait until I arrive in Florence on the 11th to book, I may end up with the Giotto Pass over the Brunelleschi pass. While the dome is higher, I'm sure the views from the Bell Tower are awesome too -- and possibly less crowded....

So how did it go?
I have a question for you since you have been there recently.

I am going back in June. It will be my 3rd Duomo climb.
The online tickets have changed.
You pick a time for the Dome which is great for 3 of us.
But my wife does not want to go up the Dome.
3 Brunelleschi passes with the first time 8ish , But only
1 Ghiberti which now also requires a time stamp at like 10:30.
I'm trying to coordinate the three of us going up the Dome and then meeting my wife at the time of her entry.
How will that work?