Inside Florence Cathedral at a glance
The interior of Santa Maria del Fiore is a large space. The cathedral is 153 m long and the transept is 90 m wide. From the floor to the base of the lantern it is 90 m. Do not mix these numbers up with the diameter of the dome.
You do not need a ticket or a reservation to enter. The dome, the bell tower, the museum, the baptistery and Santa Reparata below the floor are separate and need a pass; see the Florence Duomo tickets for the options. Entry is Monday to Saturday from 10:15 to 15:45.
The Last Judgment in the dome
The inside of Brunelleschi's dome is painted with the Last Judgment. The work was done by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari between 1572 and 1579 and covers about 3,600 m². It is not a Michelangelo fresco. Michelangelo's Pietà is in the museum, and his other work in the city is covered at Michelangelo in Florence.
You see it from the floor of the cathedral, looking up into the dome. Climbing the dome is a separate booking with its own slot; see the dome climb guide for steps, slots and rules.
Our pick: inside with an audio guide
Our take: the cathedral is free, but the audio app helps you read the frescoes and the floor.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Florence Cathedral tours and tickets
Guided visits of the cathedral, the dome and the crypt, plus combined tickets, with live prices and availability.
What to look for in the nave
Three things worth a few minutes each.
The clock by Uccello
A large clock sits on the inner entrance wall, with frescoes by Paolo Uccello. It was commissioned in 1443 and counts 24 hours in the Italian way, from sunset to sunset.
The marble floor
The floor is inlaid marble from the grand-ducal workshops of the 16th and 17th centuries. It is a different floor from the early Christian mosaic floor under the church.
The size of the space
Walk the length of the nave to the crossing under the dome, then look up. Entry runs from 10:15, so plan the cathedral first if you have a timed slot later in the day.
Santa Reparata: the older church below
Under the cathedral floor lie the remains of an older church. Excavations ran from 1965 to 1973. The old basilica dates from the early 5th century and was demolished in 1379. Surviving floor mosaics show geometric patterns and a peacock.
This is not a free extra chapel. It is included in all regular passes, but not in Ghiberti On-site. With the Ghiberti Pass it comes with a booked time slot. Hours are Monday to Saturday 10:15 to 16:00, and Sundays and religious holidays 13:30 to 16:00. Liturgy can change this.
The way down is a staircase in the right aisle. The underground path has uneven ground and changes in level, and there is no lift. Do not count on it being wheelchair accessible.
Free or pass: what costs what inside
2026 prices and hours for the cathedral and the level below it.
| Part | Ticket | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Cathedral interior | Free, no reservation | Monday to Saturday 10:15 to 15:45 |
| Santa Reparata | Any regular pass; booked slot with the Ghiberti Pass | Monday to Saturday 10:15 to 16:00, Sunday 13:30 to 16:00 |
| Cathedral tour with a guide | €17 adult, €7 ages 7 to 14, free ages 0 to 6 | – |
| Ghiberti Pass | €15 adult, €5 ages 7 to 14, free ages 0 to 6 | Santa Reparata, baptistery and museum |
For most visitors, the free entry in the morning plus the Ghiberti Pass at €15 covers the interior and the archaeology. Add the Brunelleschi Pass at €30 if you want the dome as well.
Services, dress and bags
The cathedral is a working church.
Sundays and services
There are no tourist visits on Sundays or during religious celebrations. Worship goes on. Masses are at 08:30, 10:00 and 18:00 on weekdays and at 09:00, 10:30, 12:00 and 18:00 on Sundays and feast days, with a separate entrance at the Porta dei Canonici. Confirm times before you go.
What to wear
Cover your shoulders and knees and skip flip-flops.
Bags and security
Medium and large bags, backpacks and suitcases go to the luggage deposit at Piazza Duomo 38/r, open daily 07:30 to 20:15. There are metal detectors at the entrances.
Access
The cathedral is accessible through the Porta dei Canonici. Individual support is best arranged in advance.
Closed days
The whole complex is closed on 1 January, Easter Sunday and 25 December.
All opening hours →
Inside Florence Cathedral: frequently asked questions
Is it free to go inside Florence Cathedral?
Yes. Entry to the cathedral needs no ticket and no reservation. The dome, bell tower, museum, baptistery and Santa Reparata need a pass.
Who painted the Last Judgment in the dome?
Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari, between 1572 and 1579. It is not a work by Michelangelo.
Can I visit the cathedral on Sunday?
There are no tourist visits on Sundays or during religious celebrations. Services go on. Plan the interior for Monday to Saturday between 10:15 and 15:45.
What is Santa Reparata?
The excavated remains of an older church below the cathedral floor, with early floor mosaics. It is in the regular passes and has its own hours.
Is the cathedral wheelchair accessible?
The cathedral can be entered through the Porta dei Canonici. Santa Reparata cannot, because of the staircase, the uneven ground and the lack of a lift.
Is this an official site?
No. This is an independent guide to the cathedral complex in Florence. Passes and guided visits are sold by the complex itself and by other sellers, so check who you are buying from.