Tickets to Climb Duomo in Florence

I'm not sure about buying tickets ahead, but there sure was a long line when I was there last June. I've heard it's best to go first thing in the morning or very late, just before closing after all the day trippers are gone. I was in Florence on a cruise and couldn't spare the stand in line time, but I plan on making the climb this July since I'm spending 2 nights there.

Thanks Robin.

Mary, you can buy them onsite. I think there's an elevator that will take you to the roof, then you can climb inside the dome. Same thing at St. Peter's in Rome. Or, if you prefer, you can climb the bell tower (all stairs, I think), which seemed less crowded when I was there in July.

The bell tower is arguably more interesting to climb because of the view you get of the Duomo.

Climbed the Duomo on monday two weeks ago. I showed up about 4pm and the line was 20 minutes long. Did not see an elevator. The climb was very interesting and unique.

Thanks so much everyone for the great info.

No elevator up the Duomo. The roof curves inward. It is amazing. Get there when they open (I think it's 9 am?) and there is no line, and you can go at your own pace, without feeling hemmed in. I have claustrophobia but could handle it just fine as long as there weren't a bunch of people crowding me, which there were not in the morning.

Mary, I second the choice of climbing up the bell tower. Especially fun when the bells chime.

Ouch. The bells are really loud! I've done both, the bell tower several times. Great views from there. But the Duomo . . . Is like nothing else. Read Brunnileschi 's Dome before you go so you understand how amazing it is, and appreciate what you are seeing ( and touching).

If you don't get clastrophobic & enjoy a good hike, the duomo stairs are fantastic. Think of the building challenges!