Cupola del Brunelleschi

Merece mucho la pena subir a esta cúpula por dos razones: disfrutar de sus frescos interiores y sobre todo gozar de las vistas de toda Florencia que hay desde el exterior. Lo único malo es que se tarda en subir, ya que siempre hay cola y no puede entrar mucha gente a la vez

This was stop two after purchasing an all-​access Duomo pass for 10 Euros. After a nice tour of the Florence Baptistery, we headed over to the Duomo Cathedral and made the hike up to the dome, which included climbing over 450 steps. Be warned the staircase gets quite narrow as you reach the top. The effort is worth it though, as the view is breathtaking, marking the highest point in all of Florence! Definitely worth a photo or twenty-​seven ;)

So beautiful, it almost looks fake, like a theater backdrop.
Inside the church, you can silently observe the proceedings, or just examine the different aspects of the beautiful church interior. There is no ticket or fee to get inside the church.
To climb the stairs and get the priceless view from the top of the church, you will have to purchase a ticket for 12 € in a separate venue than the church. Follow the signs to get to the ticket office/​kiosks. These tickets will allow you to enter both the entire plaza.
The climbs aren’t easy. The staircases going up are the same as going down, and the stairs are big enough for 1.5 people, which can cause hold ups on both ways up and down. However, at the top, the view is beautiful. It’s unhindered by any fence or wire, which is rough for my huge fear of heights, but the view of Italy quickly overrides the horror of falling to my death.

Between the Bell Tower and Dome, I personally preferred the climb up the Dome.
Access is included with the Firenze Card, but I found it a bit confusing — there is a separate line but it is poorly marked. I also think you have to use your tickets the same day, when we thought we had 48 hours to use them. (See my review on the Firenze Card — money-​saver but painful at times to say the least!)
What I liked about the Duomo climb is that it gives you the same amazing views as the Bell Tower, but you get up close to the inside of the dome. From down below, I hadn’t realized how intricate the paintings in the ceiling are — and also very macabre!
It is a long climb — over 400+ stairs — and it was +30*C when we went! There are a few spots with narrow hallways and it was crowded at times. Bring water for sure! Overall it is well worth the wait, climb and effort to get to the top for 360* views of Florence.

Location: Right smack in the center of Florence.
The place: The first thing that I did when I got there was to climb up to the cupola (wear comfortable shoes and bring water — it’s quite a trek!) on an empty stomach. It’s very cool to be inside the cupola and getting such a close look at it. There’s a narrow walkway that takes you around the cupola and allows you to look down into the church. Once you are done here, you’ll want to continue climbing up to the lookout at the top of the dome — the view of Florence is wonderful! Make sure to go on a sunny day!
Be sure to buy the combo ticket via their official web site — it’s a steal at 10 Euro, and includes the Duomo, Baptistery and Campanile. You skip the lines for all three BUT you will have to line up to get inside the church since it’s free entry.

One of the Earth’s greatest pieces of art. The painted ceiling is magnificent. A great camera can capture a great story of the levels of heaven.

This is an experience that you will find in few other places in the world. A climb up the walls of one of Italy’s most famous churches, between the inner and outer domes of one of the greatest Renaissance architectural achievements, to the top of Florence with panoramic vistas of the city, of the Arno River, and of the Tuscan hillside. Yes, it costs 8 Euro, yes the line will probably be long, and yes it is not for the faint of heart (many steps, narrow passageways, no possibility of turning back) but if you can physically do it you must!

Our daughter saw Rick Steve’s PBS program… that was it.
We got there… went into the cathedral… she asked after the cupola. Nonna (grandma) knows she cannot make the climb, so waited for us in the cathedral.
The line was longish… we climbed up after I had to stop numerous times… nope, hubby and daughter did not need to stop… so I know… I need to start some sort of an aerobic class now…
The view is incredible… even with dark clouds looming over us…
The whole time coming back down… I was thinking about:
–Narrow stairwells and steep steps (poorly lit) with people walking up and down at the same time (there should be a better plan to direct traffic)
–Tourists who are in a hurry are pushing down! (I had to turn around to remind a Korean middle age woman who was obviously in a hurry to get down after seeing the beautiful site that I will fall if she pushes any more… like dominoes… the ones in front of me will fall too)
–Best if they allow 500 people to go up and wait till they are back down before they allow more?
–Can’t imagine what or if they have a safety plan for fire or earthquake… there’s only ONE way out…
Well, we made it back down… still 5 stars for the site… the frescoes were amazing…8 Euros per person is nothing for a workout with a view.

Worth seeing the inside. 463 steps to the top!

Amazing. This dome is the iconic landmark of Florence. It looms above the city and comes into view from countless angles… how could you not want to climb it?
It’s 8 Euro and opens at 8:30 in the morning. I’d suggest going as early as possible for a few reasons: less people in line, less people climbing the claustrophobic staircases, less people rushing you when you’re trying to look at the frescoes, less people at the top when you’re taking in the view, and it’s cooler in the morning. I don’t care how awesomely in shape you are, 463 stairs warms you up.
The view is breathtaking once you make it up and it’s a great way to put everything into perspective. Inside, the frescoes are extremely dark and demonic… totally creepy and I love it. My brother pointed out that the floor tiles (if you can stomach looking down) are done in a cool perspective that looks like a reverse dome. So many details, so much history. It’s really incredible to consider the engineering and execution of this monumental project.
I climbed it 3 years ago and climbed it for the second time this morning, but it’s just one of those things I’d do again in a heartbeat.