Skip-The-Line Florence Cathedral and Duomo Climb Guided Tour

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Piazza del Duomo, 50122, Florence Italy

Piazza del Duomo is located in the heart of the historic center of Florence. It is one of the most visited places in the world and in Florence is the most visited area of the city. From the point of the meeting, the guide will give an insight into the history of this marvelous piece of art standing right in front of you.

Initially, the guide will talk your way to the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, which commits to the conservation of the dome and other artworks of great masterpieces of Michelangelo, Donatello, Lorenzo Ghiberti, Luca Della Robbia, Arnolfo di Cambio, and many others. As you walk through the Piazza, you'll catch glimpses of the red dome that was completed in 1436 by Filippo Brunelleschi and was once known as the largest building in Medieval Europe.

Your next stop will be the showpieces of the Florentine Gothic architecture, Giotto's Bell Tower standing adjacent to the Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore symbolizing the pride and wealth of Florence, with an introduction to the Belltower, commonly known as “campanile” the tour continues towards the most fascinating building with its very original green and white marble exterior.

The guide will introduce you to this masterpieces’ technical and artistic point of view of architecture while you stand across the empowering Gate of Paradise of Dome square of Florence. Afterward, you’ll move onto the most awaited part of the tour “Skip-The-Line” to the third largest Cathedral of the world.

Inside the cathedral listen about the first designer Arnolfo di Cambio and his design of this largest church of Europe in the 15the century. As the guide gives an insight into the works of Arnolfo, the guide will unfold the story of how the work continued until the competition was held after the death of Arnolfo. As you wander around seeing the unique design of the cathedral the guide will talk you through the marble cladding and decorations, including the sculptures and paintings inside the cathedral for an in detail idea of this monument.

Finally, after an hour and a half tour around the Duomo Square, you’ll have the opportunity to join a guided tour to climb the most neglected yet the magnificent tower with a spectacular and a panoramic view of the Florence City. On your way up (and down) the tight corridors of the workmen who built the cathedral for maintenance, that never thought of as being open to the public, the guide will point out the Giorgio Vasari's frescoes of the Last Judgment (1572-9) up close with an interesting explanation of the frescoes.

Looking down at the base just above the drum, you'll see that Baccio d'Agnolo began adding a balcony in 1507 and how one of the eight sides were unfinished, there's a story behind it, the guide will reveal it to you on your way as to why the work was immediately halted, and to this day the other seven sides remain rough brick!

Once on the top of the Cupola, you’ll be enchanted from the gorgeous view of the Florence City in front of your eyes and the guide will talk about the art and history of the Cupola and also answer to any of your questions regarding Duomo Square.

Duration: 3 hours