Florence Duomo Complex

Florence’s cathedral is one of the largest churches in Christendom and the orientation point for any walk in the city thanks to its famous Dome designed by Brunelleschi. The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Flower is the most imposing building of San Giovanni Square and its main attraction. The interior might look a little bare compared to the glittering marbles and the marvelous decorations you see outside. Anyway its giant pillars, the huge fresco of the inner dome, the remains of the previous cathedral beneath the main nave and the overall solemnity of the place will captivate you. However the Piazza has many other reasons for a guided tour: the elegant Baptistery, the Bell Tower, the Duomo Museum are all as interesting as the Church.

Touring the Duomo in Florence with a guide will help you discover all these places. The Duomo Museum is great if you like statues, since it hosts a famous Michelangelo, sculptures from the original Duomo facade and from the Baptistery and other beautiful artworks. The Baptistery is one of Florence’s oldest buildings. Let the magic of the its interior enthrall you thanks to its medieval mosaic ceiling epitomizing the medieval worldview with scenes of the Last Judgment and stories from the Bible.

The outside brings you out of the Middle Ages and into the Renaissance thanks to its three bronze doors especially those facing the Duomo, a wonderful landmark of Renaissance art by great goldsmith Ghiberti (today the original doors are displayed at the Duomo Museum and what you see from the piazza is a copy). Michelangelo said they were fit to be the Gates of Paradise, and he was right. We’ll show you the details of the doors and let you know how Renaissance artists used math and anatomy to get realism.

Climbing Florence Duomo’s Dome is a fantastic experience if you want to enjoy one of the most breathtaking views over Florence. The Duomo’s Bell Tower also offers a wonderful view and a less crowded (and faster) climb. It was designed by great Giotto, mainly a painter but here wearing the hat of the architect. Giotto’s Bell Tower is flanked by beautiful statues and bas-reliefs whose originals are at the Duomo Museum.