Duomo
Climbing Brunelleschi's Dome
Climbing the Dome is the Florence experience everyone remembers. Here's which ticket you need, what it costs, what the climb is like and how to book.
Updated 22 October 2026
In short: to climb the Dome you need the Brunelleschi Pass (€30) with a booked time slot: no booking, no climb. It's 463 steps with no lift. Entry to the cathedral itself is free.
Dome climb tickets and tours →
The Duomo passes
- Brunelleschi Pass – 30 €: Dome, Giotto's Bell Tower, Baptistery, Opera del Duomo Museum and Santa Reparata. It's the only one that includes the Dome.
- Giotto Pass – 20 €: Bell Tower, Baptistery, Museum and Santa Reparata.
- Ghiberti Pass – 15 €: Baptistery, Museum and Santa Reparata.
- Reduced for ages 7 to 14; free under 7.
Note: the Baptistery's ceiling mosaics are under restoration and currently not visible.
What the climb is like
463 steps up narrow, sometimes steep stairs between the dome's two shells. Halfway up you walk along the inner balcony, right below the Last Judgement frescoes. At the top a terrace circles the lantern, with the closest view over Florence's rooftops. Allow 45-60 minutes up and down. Not recommended if you're claustrophobic, afraid of heights or have heart problems.
Dome or Bell Tower?
Giotto's Bell Tower has 414 steps, doesn't need a timed slot like the Dome, and is the one place you can photograph the Dome itself from. The Brunelleschi Pass covers both, so you can split them over different days.
Tips
- Book well ahead in spring and summer: morning slots sell out weeks in advance.
- Arrive early at the entrance: latecomers can lose their slot.
- On Sunday mornings the Dome opens later because of Mass.
- Shoulders and knees covered, including for the climb.
- No large backpacks: leave them at your hotel.
FAQ
How much does it cost to climb Brunelleschi's Dome?
You need the Brunelleschi Pass, €30 (€12 for ages 7-14), which also covers the Bell Tower, Baptistery, Museum and Santa Reparata.
How many steps does the Dome have?
463 steps, with no lift. Giotto's Bell Tower has 414.
Is the Duomo free to enter?
Yes, the cathedral is free. The Dome, Bell Tower, Baptistery and Museum are paid.
Do I need to book the Dome?
Yes, you can only climb with a booked time slot.
More guides
Prices and hours can change: always check the official websites before your visit.
← Back to the Florence guide