A Guide to The Cathedral Complex in Florence: Our Top Tips
“One of the greatest museums includes The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore Brunelleschi’s Dome and Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistry of San Giovanni, the Crypt of Santa Reparata, and the Opera Museum. You haven’t been to Florence if you’ve not been there.“
According to the site of the Grande Museo del Duomo (Great Museum of the Cathedral) And it is true that one cannot visit Florence without visiting the Cathedral complex, at the very least when you first arrive in Florence, the Tuscan capital. The effect on the eye is impressive as you walk into the complex from Via Cerretani or Via Pecori (pay attention to this when traveling into Florence via train as you’ll be able to see Brunelleschi’s Dome through the windows when the train is moving towards Santa Maria Novella station).
Florence’s spiritual life was concentrated in the area that lies between Piazza San Giovanni and Piazza del Duomo for about 16 years. Some of the most famous artists of the past (Brunelleschi, Giotto, and Donatello, among others) contributed to the expansion of the present complex its renovation started towards the middle of the thirteen century. The renovation began towards the end of the 13 century (on the site of an old cathedral and Baptistery). It turned it into a marvelous collection of pink, white, and green marbles, indicating the development of art in Florence throughout the Middle Ages to the Renaissance.
I recently visited Florence and decided to revisit my visit to the Grande Museo del Duomo and test the single 15 euro ticket which gives you access to all of the websites mentioned in the initial section of the article. Below are some suggestions to help you to organize your trip.
- You can purchase your ticket by registering in advance through the Grande Museo del Duomo website. This will permit you to go directly to every monument using the printed ticket. All you have to do is scan it into the appropriate machine. In addition, by purchasing your ticket on the internet, you will be able to choose your preferred time slot (subject the availability) to climb Brunelleschi’s Dome If you do it on this day, it is possible that availability might be restricted (or removed) and you might not be able to choose the time slot which is the most appropriate for you.
- Split your visit to the Cathedral complex into two days. I was able to complete the whole thing in just one go, and it was exhausting! There are plenty of sights and information to be seen, and it’s logical not to squeeze it all into one day. It’s valid for 48 hours from the time of the first time you access it (72 hours beginning March 1st, read below). This lets you spread your trip over two days. Also, trust me when I say that you wouldn’t want to ascend Brunelleschi’s Dome and Giotto’s Bell Tower on the same day (my muscle groups in my calf the next day Oh no! ).
- Begin by visiting, beginning with Museo dell Opera del Duomo (Opera Duomo Museum, entry to the left of the Cathedral). This stunning Museum, which is located on the former construction site of the Cathedral complex, which is managed by the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore, which was founded in 1296, is the ideal start to your visit because it will take visitors into the long and storied background that has shaped that Cathedral complex. The Museum is huge (25 rooms on three floors). It is filled with medieval as well as Renaissance sculptures as well as reliefs and statues that were designed for the exteriors and interiors in the Cathedral, Baptistery, and Bell Tower. You can visit the originals of famous Battistero doors as well as a life-size replica of the Cathedral’s façade that was in its appearance at the time of the 14 century. Century, according to the original design of Arnolfo di Cambio, as well as the statues that are in the niches (the facade that you see today is from the 19 century). It is also interesting to visit the area that is dedicated to the DomeDome (built in only 16 years! ). It also has certain of the building materials used in the construction of the DomeDome on display, along with replicas of the Cupola and a video explaining the construction.
- If you must decide between climbing Brunelleschi’s Dome (463 steps) or Giotto’s Campanile (414 steps), choose the DomeDome The climb is more breathtaking (more strenuous, though) as well as you will be able to view the Last Judgment fresco created by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari close up. The views of Florence when you get up to the summit appear better due to the simple fact that it’s not blocked by security fencing that runs along the summit of Campanile. However, the view of the DomeDome when you climb the steps to the Campanile is a truly fantastic view if you’re willing to but just in different seasons!
- Make sure you have plenty of time to complete your visit. I was able to see everything in one stop due to the season of low-season (which is extremely short in Florence between mid-January and the close in February!) So there were a few lines. They were only in the Cupola and the Cathedral entrances. I entered straight at the Baptistery as well as in the Campanile as well as the Museum. Any other time during the season, these lines will be the same.
- Take a small backpack and be aware that there are bag checks for entering the Baptistry and at the Cathedral and the Dome climb, which will slow the process of entry. The tiniest bag is the most efficient procedure (plus, large bags will not be permitted anyway). I inquired with one of the guards what happens during the peak season when they have to scrutinize each person who comes in. He assured me that they’d be staffed with more to make the process easier for them (and for everyone) to carry a smaller bag and bring out their mobile phone or any other electronic device.
Please note that the price of a single ticket will be increased by EUR18 beginning March 1st, 2018. Additionally, the ticket’s validity extends from the current 48 hours to 72 hours.
Another point It is the truth that you should not miss out on Florence’s Cathedral Complex, but ensure that you don’t end your visit there! Some lesser-known locations like the Bargello museum, Palazzo Medici Ricciardi, the Medici Chapels, the Basilica of San Lorenzo, and many more are worth a visit and are extremely closely connected to the past of Florence.
Medici Chapels
A total of 50 members of the Medici family are buried in the Medici Chapels, located in the basilica of San Lorenzo.
