Hello everyone! I’m having an amazing time in Florence, but I have another question. I suppose since today is Friday, the city is much more crowded. When I passed the Duomo this morning there was such a long line. Is there a separate line for pre ordered, timed tickets (like at the Accademia)? Also, my email with the bar codes is sufficient as a ticket, right? How much earlier than our arranged time should we be in line? I guess when I did this earlier this year it must have been on a weekday because I more or less just walked up and waited until my time. Thank you for any pointers you can offer!
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16650 posts
KRS, your question is a little confusing as there are no timed-entry tickets for the main body of the duomo: the church is free. You are talking about climbing the dome, right? There is a separate, exterior entry for that; you don't get in the security line for the church. When you say "I did this earlier this year", did you mean that you climbed the dome or just that you'd visited the church?
This is from the duomo's website (bolding is my own):
Brunelleschi’s Dome
• Entry to Brunelleschi's Dome from Porta della Mandorla (North side of the Cathedral). Visitors are required to climb 463 steps. No lifts (elevators) are available.
• The climb is strongly NOT recommended for people with cardiovascular, respiratory diseases, vertigos, claustrophobia, and pregnant women.
• Minors (<18) cannot access without an adult.
• The start time of the visit to the Dome is the one selected at the time of purchase and shown on the ticket. Punctuality is required to allow all visitors the best experience.
• 5 minutes of delay are allowed, compared to the starting time of the visit.
• It's recommend a visit of 45-60 minutes approx. for the Dome.
So, I'd be there at least 5 minutes before your appointed time. I would think your email with bar code will act as your ticket.
Editing to add: the FAQ section of the website should be helpful, especially the answer to this question:
Is It Necessary To Print The Reservation?
It's not mandatory, just recommended. Anyway, the use of tablets/smartphones is possible. The reservation contains a bar-code readable by the turnstiles at the entrances of the various sites. The reservation will be verified upon entering the monument. Failure to match the entry time with the booking date and time may result in being refused entry to the monument. There is a small tolerance for late arrivals (5 minutes ca.)
Posted by
OP
MD
660 posts
Thank you for the response Kathy. Confusing seems to be my new norm and it’s even worse when I’m tired from so much walking! But yes, I did mean climbing the Duomo. I just walked past that way again coming back to the apartment and the line is more manageable now.
Have I mentioned lately how much I appreciate having this forum to help with my many uncertainties? I would not have the confidence I have to get out in the world and explore on my own without the knowledge that I can ask my questions here and feel relatively certain I’ll get the answers I need.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16650 posts
Standing in a long queue shouldn't an issue for the dome as ALL tickets are timed entry. Could be there's a backup of people if things are moving too slowly but it shouldn't be like the line for the main body of the duomo.
It's fun to be able to offer some assistance to a fellow adventurer! Hope you're loving Florence as much as I did! :O)