Meet your guide near the entrance to the Duomo complex at the very heart of Florence’s historic city center, to begin your visit to the cluster of UNESCO World Heritage–listed monuments. Begin with the octagonal St. John’s Baptistery, one of the oldest structures in the city and the place where many famous figures such as Dante and members of the powerful Medici family were baptized. Admire the bronze relief sculpture doors nicknamed the ‘Gates of Paradise’ before stepping inside to be surrounded by magnificent marble sculptures and mosaic floors and ceilings.
Next, enter the centerpiece of the complex, the Santa Maria del Fiori Cathedral. Also known as the Florence Cathedral, this Gothic masterpiece capped by Brunelleschi’s famous dome is one of the largest churches in Italy. Learn about its history and construction with an interior tour, including a visit to the Crypt of Santa Reparata.
Delve deeper into the artists and architects of the Duomo with a stop at the Opera del Duomo Museum, formerly a workshop where devotional art for the cathedral and surrounding structures was made. See important pieces including the original baptistery doors and marble sculptures by Michelangelo, Donatello, and other Renaissance masters. At the end of the tour, you'll have the chance to climb to the top the cathedral dome and Giotto’s Bell Tower for fantastic panoramic views over Florence.
