Duomo Complex: Guided Visit of Baptistery & Opera Museum
Duomo Square reveals a breathtaking panorama, especially at sunset, when its green, white, and red polychrome marble glows in warm light. Although unified in color, the complex spans four centuries: the Baptistery began in the mid-11th century, Giotto’s Campanile rose in the 14th, and Brunelleschi’s Dome was completed in the 15th. Begin at the Baptistery of San Giovanni with a licensed guide who will unveil its Byzantine mosaics and Ghiberti’s “Gates of Paradise.” Then, discover the Opera del Duomo Museum, where original sculptures, reliefs, and architectural fragments by Michelangelo, Donatello, and Ghiberti reveal their former place on the cathedral. Your ticket also grants access to the interior of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Crypt of Santa Reparata, where ancient mosaics and early basilica remains lie underground.
Let your senses be stirred by centuries of faith in this iconic site. Experience the art, history, and devotion at the core of Florence’s spiritual timeless landmark
Options
ENGLISH TOUR 12 PM
TOUR IN INGLESE
What's included in Duomo Complex: Guided Visit of Baptistery & Opera Museum
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Battistero Di San Giovanni
Facing the cathedral in Piazza del Duomo, the Baptistery of San Giovanni is one of Florence’s most ancient and sacred buildings, dating back to the 11th century. Its distinctive octagonal design, covered in white and green marble, is a stunning example of Florentine Romanesque architecture. Inside, the dome dazzles with gold Byzantine-style mosaics depicting scenes from the Bible and the Last Judgment. The Baptistery is also famous for its three magnificent bronze doors, especially the “Gates of Paradise” by Lorenzo Ghiberti, which Michelangelo himself admired. Rich in history and beauty, this extraordinary space has been the site of baptisms for centuries, including that of Dante Alighieri.
Museo Dell'opera Del Duomo
The Opera del Duomo Museum in Florence is a must-visit for anyone wanting to delve deeper into the history and artistry of the city’s iconic cathedral complex. Located just behind the Duomo, the museum showcases an extraordinary collection of original sculptures, reliefs, and architectural elements that once adorned the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Baptistery of San Giovanni, and Giotto’s Bell Tower. Highlights include Michelangelo’s moving Pietà Bandini, Donatello’s expressive Magdalene, and the original panels of Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise. With beautifully curated spaces and stunning reconstructions, the museum offers a fascinating journey through centuries of faith, creativity, and Florentine genius.
Crypt of Santa ReparataPass-by Only
Beneath Florence’s Cathedral lies the Crypt of Santa Reparata, an evocative archaeological site revealing the ancient layers of the city’s spiritual history. Visitors can explore the remains of one of Florence’s earliest Christian basilicas, dating back to the 4th–5th century. Among the ruins are intricate mosaics, ancient tombs, and structural foundations that predate the current Duomo. The crypt also houses the final resting place of Filippo Brunelleschi, the brilliant architect of the cathedral’s dome. A visit to the crypt offers a rare and fascinating glimpse into the city’s early Christian roots and the architectural evolution of its most famous landmark.
Inclusions
- Entry ticket to Giotto's Bell Tower (if option selected)
- Headsets if necessary
- Baptistery and Opera Museum Guided Tour
- Entry ticket to Brunelleschi's Dome (if option is selected)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- A dress code is required to enter places of worship and select museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
- Every first Tuesday of the month, the Opera Museum is closed
- Skip-the-line access may not be guaranteed for reasons outside the tour operator's control and depending on the Opera del Duomo
- Please be at the meeting point 15 minutes before the start of the tour
- Please keep in mind that the mosaics of the Baptistery are undergoing restoration
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- In front of the Bigallo's Orphanage main door you will find our assistants wearing a yellow jacket.
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
• A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
