112. Florence's Duomo

What is Florence's Duomo?

Florence Cathedral, built between 1296–1436 and otherwise known as the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, is one of the largest church buildings in the world. Its octagonal dome was one of the most ambitious architectural projects of the Renaissance period. The cathedral complex also includes a baptistery and a bell tower, both also covered in white, green and pink marble, and a museum. 

What is the Florence's Duomo like?

From the outside, it's stupendous - it literally stops you in your tracks when you walk around the corner and catch a glimpse of it up close for the first time. The interior of the nave is very simple in comparison, which surprised me - there isn't much to look at. I think they moved a lot of the artworks into the museum below the church. 

Where is the Florence's Duomo?

Florence, Italy 

When did we go?

March 2023

How did we get there? 

We flew to Pisa, where we visited the Leaning Tower, and then caught a train to Florence. The train journey was very simple and took around an hour. We also saw the Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria dell'Accademia (356).

Worth noting: 

You need time in Florence. I didn't get to see the Baptistery or the bell tower or the Duomo Museum - I'll definitely go back as they all looked very interesting.

What was Florence Duomo's place in the 2015 edition of the Lonely Planet Ultimate Travel List?

66. It moved down 46 places. 

Does Florence's Duomo deserve its place in the 2020 Lonely Planet Ultimate Travel List?

Yes, definitely. 


Florence Duomo

Florence Duomo Fresco