The Dome, Florence

You emphasize that the Bunker Hill Monument frightened you (your word). Based on that, I would have to say (having climbed both Bunker Hill Monument and the Duomo Dome) that it's likely the climb of the Florence Duomo Dome will have a similar effect on you. I'm not saying don't do it. Obviously, many people do it and they all survive. But it's easier for people here to say the encouraging thing (do it), but unfortunately we won't be there with you if the experience turns out to be frightening for you. Photos from the top are so picturesque that they're probably worth a certain amount of discomfort (okay, that was the encouragement part). :)

Thanks, Kent, for your quick reply. The Bunker Hill Monument reminds me of climbing thru a tunnel to the sky......is this really what the Dome is like? I should have said "I'm going to TRY to attempt it"...........maybe I'll give my camera to my husband!

Hi Carol, you might want to try to use Google (select Images) to locate photos that clearly show the exact conditions you'll be facing, including the amount of headroom in the upper portions of the Duomo Dome climb, and the width of the stairwell. Photos showing the visual with 2 lines of tourists filling the stairwell (it's not really a stairwell, hard to describe in words).

I have not yet climbed THAT dome, but have done two others and most of the time the quarters are not that tight. A few tight spots like doors and corners, yes - but much of the time the space is more spacious than you might imagine. Having said that, on a crowded day, other PEOPLE all around you might cause you more distress than the walls. Be sure to go when it is least crowded. And if there is a grouping of people, place yourself last in the group to allow yourself space. You can do it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_B9Ef2jWXug You be the judge. Video is a little grainy but looks pretty narrow to me. Might be best to sit this one out.

The worst view of the Dome is standing on it. Try the Campanile, right next door, for a view of the Duomo and the Dome. The climb up was, for me, not as confining as the Dome and the observation area on the Campanile is spacious. If you are with friends, you can waive to them when they are on the Dome and you are on the Campanile. The sweeping scenery from the Campanile is spectacular. http://www.flickr.com/photos/mhowells/3329279134/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbitheart_x/4227333220/ For photographs I found that being a little lower than the Dome provided a better angle for the city's roofs and gave more height to the hills; compared to the more top down view from the Dome. here is a walk up the Campanile http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXOCFtk8eXI and by the way, it is, after all, a BELL tower so you might not want to be in it at noon http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ow9vF1gIow&NR=1

Carol, As a fellow photographer (and slightly claustrophobic person) I can tell you that the climb to the top of the dome is well worth any slight discomfort you might feel. My experience (years ago now) was that during the best times for photography (past 5:30) there was not as much of a crowd. The climb itself is pretty amazing. The herringbone brickwork is one of the advances that allowed the dome to be completed, and you get to see that up close and personal. The views from the top are just spectacular. Happy Travels!!! Ted

I 2nd the idea that climbing Giottos Tower is possibly a better idea for viewing purposes anyway. I have done both and like the view of the dome from a similar height but a bit of distance away. There are spots in the dome you can "pull over" but not too many. But by all means, do one or the other as the views are wonderful. As an aside, for picture taking, I had the top of Giottos tower largely to myself for nearly an hour. The top of the Duomo has been pretty packed both times I've been up it.

Carol - As a fellow photographer, if you want a wide view of the city for photography I would suggest climbing to Piazzale Michelangelo. Your view will include the river, the Duomo and beautiful Florence, with some Tuscan hills in the background. In that case, you do not need to worry about claustrophobia! Also, the church above the piazzale, San Miniato al Monte, can provide some nice views too.

When we went in late March 2010, we couldn't avoid the crowds as it was the week before Easter. The lineup to get into the dome was 1/2 way across the plaza but moved fairly fast. As for claustrophobia, there was one spot inside which was dark except for lightbulbs every 30 feet or so. It was there that the line stopped for some reason and you could look up and backwards and see a line of people that seemed endless. I think we waited like that for a couple of minutes before the line started moving again. Then near the top, people were coming down the same stairs we were trying to get up. Talk about close quarters! There was a spot for you to turn around if you didn't want to go further and you'd join the line going down. This is what we experienced, it was somewhat uncomfortable to me (non-claustrophobic) but having said all this, it was an amazing experience at the top. The views were fantastic! I could say "go for it" but I don't know exactly how this could affect you. Only you will know for sure, but at least now you have heard what it's like when it's busy.

The Dome didn't give us the same claustrophobic feeling as say the Torre del Mania in Siena. That tower made me feel squeezed. The Dome does have some areas were it opens up and you have some sight lines if you start to panic. It is disorientating however, do to the curve of the inner dome and the slopping outer dome. So nothing feels flat to walk on. When you get to the balcony area that looks down in to the Church, pay particular attention to the ceiling paintings. By anyone's standards, some of depictions of hell are pretty shocking.

Carol, I stayed at the Hotel Medici about 3 blocks from the Duomo and from the hotel's rooftop terrace I was able to get closeups of people on the Duomo (always crowded) and the Campanile (never looked crowded). I would say try the Campanile.

Devon is right on. I was going to suggest the same thing. The view from the Piazzale Michaelangelo is awesome.

" something I fervently wish to accomplish" My wife is claustrophobic and will not get into an elevator if it is crowded. She did the Duomo climb and was glad that she did it. Your call............. Just do it!

Dear Carol, my empathy and my mixed experiences. I decided not to attempt the Domo in Florence and glad to have info about Campanile. May try that this time. I once tried the Washington Monument when I was a student in the long ago. Was with friends and stairs were one way. I went up a few and decided to turn back! Imagine the chaos I d. Once at Machu Picchu I almost couldn;t cross over a tiny section that had no side wall or rail and would not have seen the ruins had a friend not held my hand and told me to close my eyes and move! In Houston I froze in space on a rope bridge to see a house museum but I did it. Well there was no choice. Again, another visitor helped me even when my son was impatient and annoyed.However, years ago in Rome, I climbed the dome in St. Peters. I was alone and there was a midway area maybe accessible by wider stairs and could look down onto the floor of St. Peters. Then I did make it to the top of the dome. Only last part was very narrow and people were supportive. The view was amazing, all Rome in every direction! So, would I do that again maybe 10 years later, probably not. Anyway, we don't have to do everything in life. Maybe some experiences should be left for another life if there is one. Good luck. Have a great trip.