Located just behind the Cathedral, the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo is one of the world’s most significant sculpture museums, housing the original masterpieces created for Florence's religious heart. The highlight is the Sala del Paradiso, a vast hall featuring a life-size reconstruction of the Cathedral's original 14th century façade, adorned with 40 statues by masters like Donatello. Directly across, you will find the original golden Gates of Paradise by Lorenzo Ghiberti, moved here to protect them from the elements. Other must-see treasures include Michelangelo’s Pietà Bandini, which he sculpted for his own tomb, and Donatello’s hauntingly realistic wooden Penitent Magdalene. The museum also features a gallery dedicated to Brunelleschi’s Dome, displaying original 15th-century tools and wooden models. A visit concludes with the Brunelleschi Terrace, offering a stunning close-up view of the Dome and one of the best photo spots in Florence.
Piazza del Duomo is the spiritual and historic heart of Florence, representing the city’s transition from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. This open air museum is home to three of the most famous structures in Italy: the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery of San Giovanni. The square is dominated by the massive Cathedral and its iconic red tiled dome, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. The exterior is famous for its intricate white, green, and pink marble patterns which tie the entire complex together. Standing tall at the side is Giotto’s Bell Tower, an architectural masterpiece offering a vertical perspective of the city. Directly in front of the Cathedral sits the Baptistery, one of the oldest buildings in Florence, famous for its octagonal shape and the bronze Gates of Paradise. Today, the square is a vibrant pedestrian hub where travellers from around the world gather to admire some of the greatest artistic achievements in human history
The Baptistery of San Giovanni is one of the oldest and most revered buildings in Florence, standing directly in front of the Cathedral as a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. Its iconic octagonal shape is clad in distinctive white and green marble, a design that influenced many of the city's later Renaissance structures. The interior is most famous for its breath taking ceiling, covered in over 1,000 square meters of 13th century golden mosaics. These intricate artworks depict the Last Judgment and biblical scenes, glowing brilliantly when the light hits the gold leaf. Equally famous are the building's bronze doors, particularly the eastern set known as the Gates of Paradise. Created by Lorenzo Ghiberti, these panels were so beautiful that Michelangelo himself claimed they were fit to be the entrance to heaven. Historically, this was where many famous Florentines, including Dante Alighieri, were baptized, making it a cornerstone of Florence's religious and civic identity.
How can a rate a tour that did not happen!! I had to phone the provider, to learn that they had canceled the tour!! I am so disappointed in TripAdvisor for using this provider. I want my money back. Please Contact me!
This tour was absolutely incredible and one of the highlights of our trip! Our tour guide was fantastic—extremely knowledgeable, passionate, and engaging. She patiently answered every question we had. Her enthusiasm made the experience enjoyable and memorable. The climb to the top of the bell tower was unforgettable and rewarded us with breathtaking views of the Duomo and the city of Florence. We learned so much, had an amazing time, and would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Florence!
This was an amazing tour! My wife and I were the only ones on the tour, and Rafael, our tour guide was fantastic and incredibly knowledgeable about not only elements of the tour, but of Italy, and Florence overall.
I have been to Florence multiple times, but have not visited the Duomo Museum until now. I was very impressed with our guide, Rosa’s knowledge. I highly recommend this tour!
The Duomo Museum gives you an insight into how the Duomo was built. It has models that show the tools and the material used to build the Duomo. There are also short movies that go into the history of the constructions. From the top floor of the Museum, one gets a good view of the Dome of the Duomo itself. On the dome, you can see the cracks that have developed over the years. The museum also includes painting and sculptures by famous artist from Italy. The baptistry is a unique building which has a dome that is unique. Inside the Baptistry, one gets to see the brillance of the people who built this entire complex.
I did not get the opportunity to use this tour group because they cancelled on me the week of my trip. I was unable to book a similar tour because everything else was already booked by the time this was cancelled. The reviews seem to have other people with similar experiences.
Our guide was wonderful. We had a very windy and cool day but she just kept going. She was very knowledgeable. We a;lso enjoyed our walk to the top of the Dome.
The Dome climb is awesome. The Baptistry Museum tour is good if you are into that stuff, but I was not. The tour's meeting location was frazzling as it was labelled as 2 distinctly DIFFERENT spots on opposite ends of the Duomo ("39 Duomo plaza" and "in front of the golden baptistry doors"). I arrived 15mins early and I ran around trying to find the person with the "flag", who ultimatley was holding it not on a high, easily seen pole, but in front of her at waist height in a busy crowd and then I ended up being semi-politely criticized for being late. This frustrating start likely contributed to me failing to enjoy the museum. Fyi - the "museum" is baptistry ancient pieces, the baptistry itself is another building, and the Duomo itself is another separate edifice. This was not clear at the time. This tour does NOT go into the main Duomo, it only goes to the museum, the baptistry, and the duomo DOME. The church that is the duomo was bypassed completely and never discussed.
If you’re into frescoes, the baptistery is fresco heaven! Located only about 50 yards west of the cathedral, this octagonal building dates back to the 5th century, with alterations in the 11th and 13th centuries. The great doors you see now are replicas, the originals being in the Museo del Opera del Duomo. The doors are of bronze, with detailed casting of biblical scenes. The south door is by Pisano and the other two by Ghiberti and other artists. The interior is decorated with some of the most splendid mosaics in world art. The apse was the first area to be decorated, from as early as 1202. The dome was decorated from the top down during the 13th century. The most recent renovation was at the end of the 19th century, but now the 10 million tiles are being restored again. This means that currently visitors cannot see the actual mosaics. You have to make do with photographically produced canvases that hang in front of them while conservationists work. The Museo del Opera del Duomo is located next to the cathedral bag-drop opposite the east end. It is worth spending a couple of hours there, as it contains many of the original treasures of the cathedral, baptistery and campanile; such as the ancient doors from the baptistery, a statue of Santa Reparata from the early cathedral, decorative panels from Giotto’s campanile. There is a life-size model of the Romanesque font of the cathedral before the 14th century building; Michelangelo’s Pieta intended for his own tomb; an incredible silver altar; two carved stone singing galleries; Donatello’s austere wood St Mary Magdalene penitent; and a useful presentation on how Brunelleschi’s fabulous dome, modelled on the baptistery, was made.
What a stunning beauty that the Florence Baptistery is - has such a good energy and feeling when inside, stooped in history, you feel very special to be here.
Absolutely breathtaking - the museum is packed with great history and the Baptistery is absolutely stunning. You must visit both!
The Florence Baptistery is a reminder of the exquisite talent of Renaissance artists and craftsmen. The Baptistry is octagonal; its intended purpose is to baptize the believers of Florence. The Chistian faith was perpetuated. by the bronze doors, which narrate the immortal history of Christianity. The original doors were replaced by duplicates in modern days. The original doors are in the Museum. Brunelleschi's Dome is a related building, as is the Florence Cathedral. We saw the Baptistery. it is a testament. to Christian faith and Florentine artistry.
Florence was very busy but the tour was unorganized the tickets had wrong date so missed John the Baptist basilica we were directed to the wrong entrance to the Duomo so didn’t wish to wait in another line, and did not see the Duomo, requested compensation nothing was offered. No value for the money
Wow! So impressed with our tour guide’s expertise and knowledge. She is finishing her masters in Renaissance Art and her passion for the subjects is so is so contagious. It was a magical experience. You should climb to Duomo at least once in your life for the up close views of the artwork inside the Duomo and the spectacular views of Florence. Just don’t climb it hungover or in wide legged pants. Wear tennis shoes and go when it’s cool outside.
Museum with various exhibits about the Basilica that can be visited via the Bruneschellini Pass. It’s conveniently across the Basilica and there were quite a few field trips and tour groups present. There’s multiple levels and we went from bottom to top. Restrooms are available as well as a water fountain. You go through a security check first and then will scan your ticket. You can purchase the Brunnelschini Pass and then use that to enter the museum at any time. Elevators and stairs are available. There are also a couple of benches at the top level to sit if you need a break. We spent about an hour and a half to two hours here.
The guide was very knowledgeable and took her time to explain everything. The sites are beautiful and everyone that comes to Florence should visit, regardless of their religious believes. Art is universal! Loved the tour!
We enjoyed the information the guide share about the structures. She was knowledgeable.the view from the duomo was worth every step.
Very knowledgeable and charming guide. I would give 5 stars, but after asking us to arrive 10 minutes early, the tour company rep ( guy with the paperwork and earphones) showed up nearly 15 minutes late, with no apologies. So the 6 of us stood around being bothered by the usual Piazza del Duomo beggars and scammers for 25 minutes before the tour could start. And the earphones were not quality, they were the old style flat sided little cones that do not stay in your ear for more than 5 seconds before getting loose, and then you can’t hear the guide. Two recommendations for the tour company: more professional attitude to timekeeping, and get some earphones with the clip behind to keep them in the customers’ ears.
It was a little disappointing. The tour started late and from that point the tour seemed rushed. We covered most parts of the tour but we never seemed to get enough time to actually look and take in the wonderful sights. Then time ran out and we never completed 100% of the tour. A shame.
The guide was rushing everyone. Had to stand in line for 25 minutes to be told we didn’t need more than 5 minutes inside. If we wanted to see more, we had to come back after the tour. The guide was not very knowledgeable. We left the tour early. Don’t waste your time or money.
The tour was in total 1 hour 30 minutes. The price of the tickets was 120 euro, i paid ~200 euros for the guide.. it’s excessive in my view.
Our tour guide was amazing! She was so knowledgeable and enthusiastic. This was great value for money - we learnt a lot about the baptistery and Duomo, as well as some interesting facts about Brunelleschi, Michelangelo and the Medici family. The climb up the Duomo was great, not too strenuous and there were spots to rest where needed. The views at the top were amazing! We would definitely recommend this tour for anyone visiting Florence.
Our tour guide Silvia was amazing, so knowledgeable and passionate!! The tour itself was brilliant and deffo worth booking !! Loved it :)
Our guide was the best, very informative. It was one of our best experiences while in Florence. Totally recommend this tour, we visited the museum and the baptistery, and got an amazing view from the top of the Dome. Thanks Florence and Global for this experience.
We booked a guided tour for the Duomo, our guide was Silvia and with her we visited all the museums in the square. The tour enriched our experience in Florence, it was exactly what we wanted and more. Thanks to Crish for checking in to make sure all worked out for our family. Also very thoughtful of the company for gifting us with a souvenir from the city. Money well spent, totally recommended.
I booked this tour thru Viator. The tour operator cancelled the tour the day before! They never contacted us directly to let us know of the cancellation, or offering solutions, I only received an automatic email from Viator saying that the tour was cancelled. Mind you, that automatic email ended up in the Junk folder so I didn't see it until the day of the tour when we called them asking why the guide wasn't at the meeting point. I understand that sometimes things don´t go as planned, but the lack of customer service frustrates me. I provided them with a phone number and email upon booking, they could have contacted me and make sure I was aware of the cancellation, and maybe work up a solution. We were left high and dry instead We were in Florence only for a couple of days, and because of that cancellation we weren't able to cover THE highlight of city. I hope this review helps with the customer service side of the business, I´m a travel agent myself, so I now it doesn't take much to keep customers happy, even when plans don´t work out.
To our first trip to Florence we really wanted to visit the Duomo museum and we’re glad we did. The communication with the manager was impressive, and our guide was impeccable. The gelato at the end was a treat very much appreciated, it’s delicious. Thank you!
It was our first time in Florence, and taking a tour to climb on the Dôme the first day was the best idea we had! Our guide, Marie, was vonderful, gives us a lot of expanations, advices about the city, what to do primarily as we only had 2 days... it was perfect! Thank you!
The history explained step by step understanding his applications for citizens over the centuries. Thanks to Silvia Who has been our guide with competence and passion
Excellent guided tour and visit. Our guide Rosa ❤ was very kind and welcoming. Here knowkedge of the cathedral and the dome is impressive. I highly recommand, this monument, the painting, the architecture, everything is breathtaking, specially the guide Rosa that she is so near to heart ❤ and so informative. Thanks Rosi Nina 
The tour of the Duomo museum and walk up to the Dome was the highlight of our European vacation. Francesco was the perfect guide for this tour. He was extremely knowledgeable and intrigued the small group throughout the 2+ hour tour. We certainly recommend taking this tour, the insight shared during the tour made our trip to Florence even more precious.
The tour leaders were outstanding. I was not able to climb the dome. While we did rhe first part of the tour, a representative from the company stood in line for me so I could get inside the church while my husband did the climb. Personal, outstanding service. They went above and beyond.
I am the owner of these places , I wanted to create a magical place where people can disconnect and recharge in a quiet place surrounded by nature , a real cozy little cocoon , having spent the first night in this adorable little nest: mission accomplished!
The place of the duomo is splendid. Unfortunately the interior of the baptistery is under construction and of course the superb dome is not visible, nevertheless no reduction...florence (and its monuments) is a manna and sometimes quite abusive. The sublime doors are copies, beautiful, but the real ones are in the duomo museum. This museum is also a splendor, to be visited absolutely.
The Baptistery is under construction, a huge scaffolding occupies the entire center of the building blocking the entire view! The visitor is forced to look at the photos printed on the tarpaulin surrounding all the scrap metal, to replace what he should have seen! Even the ceiling of the dome is hidden by a net. A real scandal because despite these major inconveniences, the ticket remains at the usual price!
Very nice museum. Less known than others, but of absolute value. Beautiful and poignant the penitent Magdalene of Donatello.
Amazing! Lots of beautiful things painting, architectures,.... Explanation on the Dome and all the statues of the cathedral!! Doors
Beautiful and interesting visit, not to be missed The guide , Cosetta , really good , serious and very professional , nice , with excellent time management and not giving up stretching at the end for further interesting explanations and anecdotes We would absolutely choose it for further excursions Even the perfect organization with phone call 10 minutes before the start , congratulations Very interesting museum, baptistery do not miss wonderful dome
The guide, Mrs Cosetta, called us directly on the phone to remind us of the appointment. Punctual, precise and friendly, he accompanied us on an interesting and very pleasant tour. The description and explanations were clear and comprehensive. The more than 2 hours flew, considering also that our 6-year-old son accompanied us following the whole tour.
La guide était très bien très intéressante . Elle a même pris le temps pour réponse à nos questions sans regarder l'heure.
Special thanks to Anna, an exceptional guide, who made my experience sensational. Passion and professionalism shine through, thank you again!
Guided tour of Piazza della Signoria, the historic center of Florence and Brunelleschi's dome with an attached view of the city from above. That's great! Our knowledgeable guide Caterina transmitted the history of Florence involving us and answering any of our questions, really helpful and friendly! Icing on the cake: magnet and homemade ice cream free! Highly recommended is again thank you.
La guide n’avait pas de grande connaissance historique Nous avons été déçus car la veille nous avions eu un guide exceptionnel aux Offices
Marie our guide is passionate and captivated us with her comments Tour ended with a beautiful good ice cream
Visit to the top with superb views of Florence and very good explanations from our guide Alessandra who allowed us to organize the continuation of our tour of Florence.
Advice... Reserve before. The visit is punctual. The climb up the stairs can be quite archaic. Clostrophobes abstain! But the view is exceptional. It's worth a visit.
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