Duomo - Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore

The magnificent, vibrant, and imposing Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore deserves its reputation as one of Italy's most famous structures. Still, to fully appreciate your trip to Florence's Duomo, you'll need to do more than enter it.

THINGS TO DO AT CATHEDRAL OF SANTA MARIA DEL FIORE:

Make a circle around Santa Maria del Fiore:

When you first arrive at the Duomo Complex, walk around the Piazza del Duomo completely before doing anything else. The structure is stunning from all angles, and taking a stroll around the exterior is a great way to realize its size.

Additionally, it will allow you to get oriented and identify the locations of various landmarks, such as the baptistery directly in front of the cathedral and the cupola climb entrance on the north.

Unsurprisingly, the cafes and restaurants that line the edge of the piazza aren't known for their reasonable prices or incredible food. Still, there's no denying that they have one of the most picturesque views in town if you want to relax with a drink.

Admire the baptistery (inside and out!) and the mural depicting the Last Judgment in the Florence Duomo:

Stepping inside the Baptistery is worth it just for the amazing mosaic gold ceiling of the octagonal structure! Three sets of golden, sculpted doors are found in the Baptistery, the most well-known of which is the 'Gates of Paradise,' created by Lorenzo Ghiberti and given that name by Michelangelo.

One of the top recommendations for things to do in Florence is the baptistery's inlaid mosaic ceiling.

Climb the Bell Tower by Giotto:

The beautiful bell tower (or campanile) that stands alongside the Florence Duomo was constructed between 1334 and 1359 by three gifted architects, but Giotto, the first to work on it, is given top billing in the name

Climb up for views of the city:

The cupola and the rest of the Piazza del Duomo (including the Baptistery) and Florence are magnificently visible from the campanile.

Take in the scenery from the upscale Duomo Terraces.

Check out the Duomo Terraces! These mid-level terraces are located below the cupola and are only accessible as part of a tour, not on your own.

Ascend to the cupola's summit:

Whatever name you give it—the cupola, the dome, Brunelleschi's Dome—climbing the 463 steps to the top of Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is an experience you won't soon forget. You will be climbing stairs that construction workers once used, so be prepared for tight spaces and vigorous exercise along the way!

Investigate the Duomo Opera Museum:

The Duomo Museum, also known as the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, is situated directly behind the cathedral in the Piazza del Duomo. The Baptistery's original doors can be found here, along with various intricate artwork. Additionally, there is a comprehensive exhibit on the construction of the cupola, complete with tools from the 1400s

Visit Santa Reparata's Crypt:

You'll probably learn that the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore was constructed on the site of an earlier church while touring Florence Duomo. Santa Reparata was that church, and you can still visit it today—directly beneath the Duomo.

The Crypt of Santa Reparata also contains remnants of even earlier Christian worship.

Find the hidden statue of a bull:

One carving, in particular, stands out among the others beneath the dome: a bull. Why this bull was carved into the third-largest cathedral in the world is a mystery.