Can someone tell me if the stairs up and down are shared? I'm curious how tight they will be, if people going up and down have to maneuver each other. Also if there is room for others to pass if I need a minute break. My feet and legs are pretty sore, and I'm a lilt worried about the climb.
Posted by
Portsmouth
5574 posts
Here's a YouTube video taken by someone climbing the stairs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5391F9AWdGM
As you can see, it's pretty tight.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Rick's description of the climb may be helpful: "463 steps up...the claustrophobic one way route takes you up narrow, steep staircases...."
Posted by
Jacksonville, Florida
110 posts
We just came back from Florence, and we did not do the Duomo climb. We're too old for that, and we saved our limited energies for long days wandering the streets and doing other things.
If it's beautiful views of Florence you want, and you don't want to wear yourself out, walk or take the bus (#13 bus) to Piazzale Michelangelo, or go to Bardini Gardens.
Posted by
OP
29 posts
I made it! So glad there are moments of a little break. If I had to climb the 463 steps without stopping I would not have made it. Amazing!
Posted by
Truro, NS, Canada
3943 posts
Glad you enjoyed it - if anyone else is curious - we did the bell tower climb instead - there were 'floors' you could stop at and admire the view - plus, you get to actually see the dome instead of standing on top of it!
Posted by
Sunnyvale, CA
149 posts
If I remembered correctly, only the last leg (100ft? 200ft?) is shared. There is a staff there to direct people going down to use another way. Climb the Duomo in the morning and climb the bell tower in the evening because the color of the Dome is so beautiful in the sun set.
I have climbed many churches and towers in Italy. By far, the St. Peter's in Vatican is the easiest and pleasant one. 8-)