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Which Duomo Combo ticket to get when in Florence?

Posted by (Surrey, BC, Canada) on

I would like to visit the Duomo Cathedral and see the inside of Brunelleschi's dome, along with the Baptistry and museum. I am considering either the Bell tower climb, or the dome climb, primarily for a close up look at the Vasari Last judgement on the dome interior. Does the free admission to the cathedral allow access to the floor level of the dome or just the main cathedral area?

How long are wait times for cathedral free admission, I don't want to spend all day in line. I will be visiting Florence on May 29/30 later this month.

I would get the Brunelleschi pass if that is the only way to see the inside of the dome without a long wait, even if I don't climb to the top. But then I would not have a timed access to the Bell tower.

If I get the Giotto (bell tower) pass or just the Ghiberti pass (if I just skip the bell tower), then do I have to wait in the free access line to get inside the cathedral, and may not even see the dome from the inside.

It seems that if I want to see the inside of the dome and also climb the bell tower, then I will be waiting in at least one line.

What is my smartest option? Thanks!

Posted by
4 posts

There is a separate entrance for Pass holders and Free access for the Cathedral. Not sure once inside if there's restrictions based on pass holder/free, but don't think you can get the close views of the inside of the Dome with anything but the Duomo Walk. End of May shouldn't be as busy as peak months like July/August.

We chose the Brunelleschi Pass, since we do want to do the Duomo walk and will skip the Bell Tower.

I would decide if you want to do either of those walks and pick based on that. If neither, there is no timed pass for entrance to the Cathedral, just go and if the line for pass holders is shorter than free, buy the pass on your phone.

Also, note that Monday's the Uffizi and Accademia are closed.

Posted by
1147 posts

Hello Kirk,

If you want to see anything of the Duomo aside from floor level entrance you'll need to get the Brunelleschi Pass and set a time for the Dome climb. Giotto's Tower gives you a level view of the exterior of the dome - and Florence of course - but that is all.

Either of the passes also give you 3 day access to the Duomo, the Baptistry, the Santa Reparata site and the Duomo museum.
The Santa Reparata site is below the Duomo and largely archeological in nature but also houses Brunelleschi's tomb. I enjoyed it but I'm a fan of archeological stuff in general. The new Duomo museum is amazing and well worth the time. If you visit the museum be sure you keep going up for the best views of the dome exterior - except perhaps for Giotto's tower.

If you get the Brunelleschi pass your time for the pass "3 days" period starts on the day you book your Duomo climb. Also I believe all the Florence passes don't count "closed days" against your day count.

Have a great visit,
=Tod

Posted by
4 posts

Thanks for the advice. After watching this video,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdbT0I4G6ds

I definitely want to climb the dome to get to see the Last Judgement up close. I also found out that the mosaics in the baptistery are being renovated, so they are covered in scaffolding. There is a tour that lets you tour the renovation area and get an up close view of the mosaics. That tour is not available the days we are in town, maybe I can see this on a future visit.

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