When planning a trip to Florence, a visit to the magnificent Santa Maria del Fiore — also known as the Florence Cathedral or Duomo — is an absolute must. With nearly two million visitors each year, it is the largest church in Florence, the second largest in Italy after St. Peter's Basilica, and one of the most iconic cathedrals in the world.
Climbing the Florence Dome is one of the top things to do in Florence. Located in the heart of the historic center, just a short 10-minute walk from Santa Maria Novella train station (SMN), the cathedral is easily accessible within a fully pedestrianized area. Its stunning marble façade and monumental dome dominate the city skyline, making it one of the most photographed and visited landmarks in Europe.
Construction of Santa Maria del Fiore began in 1296 under the direction of architect Arnolfo di Cambio during the late Middle Ages. The project was later continued by renowned artists and architects such as Giotto, Francesco Talenti and Giovanni di Lapo Ghini. The cathedral was finally crowned in 1434 during the Renaissance, when Filippo Brunelleschi completed the extraordinary dome, known locally as “Il Cupolone,” a masterpiece of engineering that still defines Florence’s skyline today.