Small Group Florence Cathedral Guided Tour with Priority Access
Admire the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in the company of an expert guide. This timeless masterpiece has become the symbol of the city of Florence. You will SKIP THE LONG LINES at the entrance, which will save you precious time during your vacation! Your local guide will take you on a JOURNEY THROUGH TIME to discover the history of the creation of the Duomo: learn about its origins and how it became the THIRD LARGEST CATHEDRAL IN THE WORLD. The anecdotes of the innovative techniques used by Filippo Brunelleschi to build the Dome will leave you speechless. Thanks to a preferential route reserved exclusively for our group, you can access the area below the Dome, to admire closely Zuccari and VASARI’S FRESCOES depicting THE LAST JUDGMENT.
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Tour in English
What's included in Small Group Florence Cathedral Guided Tour with Priority Access
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Piazza San Giovanni
Meet your guide at Piazza del Duomo 19/20, in front of the Misericordia Museum, by the ambulances. As you stand below this grandiose building, prepare to discover the heart and soul of Florence! When your group has arrived, your guide will give you a short description of the exteriors of the Cathedral, including some background information about the architecture and its unique red and green colors. Skip the line passes are included in this tour, so quickly enter with your guide, pass through security, and you will be ready to discover the secrets of the Florence Duomo!
Duomo - Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore
After entering, your professional and local guide will lead you to the back of the Cathedral. You will learn about the history of the church in chronological order. Did you know that Santa Maria del Fiore was originally built over Roman ruins? Discover how this sacred space in Florence has evolved with the Florentine people over different eras of time. Although the Cathedral’s construction began before the Renaissance, Brunelleschi's iconic dome inspired architects and artists for generations following. Over a span of 142 years, the gigantic church and dome were perfected. Learn all about how the Duomo became united with the skyline of Florence, with its famous silhouette. As your guide explains the history in a vivid, storytelling manner, you will learn about the famous works of art stored in the Cathedral.
Duomo - Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore
As you encounter the masterpieces, you will inch closer and closer to the most famous sight of the church - the breathtaking frescoes decorating Brunelleschi’s dome. Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari completed the “Last Judgement” paintings, giving the interiors of the dome a pop of color, along with an intriguing story. Your guide will be happy to explain the history of the frescoes. Your guided tour inside Santa Maria del Fiore will last about an hour. Don’t miss out on this captivating tour to learn more about the beautiful symbol of Florence.
Inclusions
- Preferential route reserved exclusively for our group to access the area located below the Dome
- Professional guide
- Guided tour of 30 minutes in a small group (maximum 25 people)
- Entrance tickets to the Museum of the Misericordia di Firenze
- Skip the line access to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo)
- Headphones for larger groups
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Entrance to the Cathedral of Florence requires an appropriate dress code. Please make sure your shoulders and knees are covered
- It is strictly forbidden to bring large bags or luggage inside the Duomo
- Due to security controls at the entrance of the Cathedral, waiting times may be longer for access to the Duomo
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- DUOMO SQUARE, N.19/20 - FLORENCE You guide will wait for you in front of "Misericordia" Museum
End Points
- The tour will end inside the Duomo of Florence, so you can explore it at your own pace even when the guided tour is over
