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Santa Maria del Fiore

Posted by (Midwest) on

Hi all

I'm starting to setup the Florence leg of my trip to Italy and looking at the Duomo sights, the majority of which require an advance RSVP.

I'm trying to balance the time windows set by the Duomo (several of which are back to back with a 5 minute grace period) so that I am neither rushing / shortening visits but also not sitting around between the RSVPs. Other things in my mind are doing the exteriors during the morning light and then being wrapped up by 3pm (including lunch) so I can spend the second part of the day at another location (probably the Uffizi).

This is what I have come up with, if anyone has any experience in visiting these (esp. since Covid) , that would be much appreciated! Comments about street food vendors or other easy lunch options around the Piazza del Duomo are also welcomed!

8:15-9:00AM Bell Tower (leave a little early)
9:00-9:45AM Dome Climb (5 minute grace for entrance)
{little break between RSVPs}
10:15-11:00AM Terraces (first opening window)
11:15-1:00PM Museum followed by Baptistery (I anticipate a bio / coffee break once inside the museum)
1:00-1:45PM Cathedral (this is not RSVP based so I could swap with lunch break if line is overly long)
2:00-3:00PM Simple lunch break - pizza???

Posted by
4173 posts

Before you make your trip , do yourself a favor , and witch this brilliant PBS NOVA documentary which goes into great detail about how Brunelleschi contrived this feat . - https://youtu.be/RUBnNDloGHg . We were last there in 2018 , and went out to the park to see Massimo Ricci's model . A short bus ride from the city , and worth the time .

Posted by
16668 posts

SOTL, you have three climbs booked in a row: Bell Tower, Dome and Terraces. Sure your knees can take it? IMHO, you might consider dome + terraces and drop the tower? Regarding the church+ tower exteriors, we thought they were at dramatic best at twilight/night, when illuminated. It glows against a dark sky, and the lighting seemed to heighten the polychrome marble details.

Also make sure you're planning a day when ALL of the pieces are open. When is your trip?

Posted by
2899 posts

I believe your time frames for doing these back-to-back-to-back are not realistic. Even if you are an Olympic sprinter, the people shuffling along in front of you are not. And give yourself some time to appreciate each of these, rather than "tag" them. This holds for the Uffizi also, where the crowds slow your movement to a crawl.

Posted by
5697 posts

For lunch, we like Self Service Leonardo about a block on the opposite side of the Duomo piazza (pass the Baptristry and keep walking.) Was in the RS book -- cafeteria style service, cheap prices for good basic dishes, and unlimited ice water. Last time we were there a tour group was coming through, so the line was long, but other times it has been quick.

Posted by
4173 posts

Ristorante Leonardo is a winner . Our favorite place for dinner in Florence , the owner is an extremely friendly and hospitable gentleman . look for the sign at street level , you will need to walk up one flight to the restaurant . One block from the Baptistry - https://www.google.com/maps/place/Leonardo/@43.7731819,11.2524623,18.5z/data=!3m1!5s0x132a54021d170873:0x70daf5e0b04a5234!4m8!3m7!1s0x132a540202472ed9:0x5fb238ebc54ec26d!5m2!4m1!1i2!8m2!3d43.7726163!4d11.2530434

Posted by
125 posts

Thanks for the advice - Ristorante Leonardo has been added - sounds like my type of place.

I hear and head the aggressive timeline and while I've confirmed days / times are all open, I will plan to swap & drop a climb and then revisit in the evening to do the Bell Tower.

Thank you!

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