Florence Cathedral, known in Italian as the Duomo di Firenze or Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, stands in the Piazza del Duomo at the heart of the city, in Tuscany. It is a Gothic cathedral, and it is best known for its enormous dome, engineered by Brunelleschi, which rises above the rooftops and has become one of the defining sights of the Florentine skyline.
What to see
- The dome. Brunelleschi's dome is the cathedral's most famous feature, and its scale is striking from the square below.
- The exterior. The façade and walls are covered in pink, white and green marble, giving the building its distinctive colouring.
- The square. The Piazza del Duomo gives you room to take in the building from several angles.
Planning your visit
The cathedral is easy to reach on foot from the city centre, and it works well as a starting point for a walk through the historic streets around it. Many visitors combine it with other sights nearby, so it fits comfortably into a day of exploring Florence. For current details on visiting, you can call the cathedral on +39 055 230 2885, and the address is Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy.
If you enjoy architecture, the cathedral is a natural choice. Its exterior colours and the sheer size of its dome repay a slow look, and the surrounding square offers plenty to do before or after your visit.
