Private Florence Duomo Tour with Dome Climb

Our private Florence Duomo tour offers a wonderful insight into the spiritual and religious centre of Florence. You need time to explore the history and architecture of the Piazza del Duomo to really understand its significance, so the chance to do this with a passionate local guide truly brings to life the traditions and stories behind this intriguing and important place.

Over the centuries, religion has defined the development of Florence’s art, and its influence can be seen in every aspect of its heritage in the places we visit today. Not only is it so often the subject of many artistic works, religion has been at the very heart of many of the artists like Botticelli, Donatello, Giotto, Masaccio and Michelangelo who, through their genius, have been able to inspire and touch us through their masterpieces.

On this excellent private Florence Duomo tour, we take you on a journey through the history of the religious centre of the city, the Piazza Duomo. Your expert guide will lead you through the highlights, which include the current Cathedral and its instantly recognisable facade, the baptistery, the city’s first cathedral (the Santa Reparata), whose remains can still be viewed beneath the Duomo, and Giotto’s famous Bell Tower, with its numerous sculptures. You’ll learn about the Misericordia, the oldest private voluntary institution in the world, still run by the brotherhood for the care of the sick and elderly; and also the late Gothic building, the Loggia del Bigallo, which is linked with local charity fraternities.

Then we ascend Brunelleschi’s Dome, which is the undisputed symbol of Florence and the largest of its kind in the world. As you climb you’ll be able to get a wonderful close up view of the 3600 square metres of frescoes that decorate the inside of the dome. It is the largest painted surface in the entire world and your guide will talk you through some intriguing facts as you move past. From this elevated perspective you’ll get a unique view of the inside of the dome and, as you walk between the two shells, you’ll gain an insight into its intricate brickwork and fascinating construction. When you realise that this entire structure was built without the aid of scaffolding you will start to understand the genius behind it.

As you reach the top and take in your reward of the spectacular views over the city, the once in a lifetime experience of a private Florence Duomo tour will be cemented in your memory forever.

Landmarks Included in this Tour

● Piazza del Duomo

● Baptistery doors (Gates of Paradise)

● Giotto’s Bell Tower

● Brunelleschi's Dome climb

● Florence Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore)

● Loggia del Bigallo

● The Baptistery of St John from the outside