Until recent times the access to the Duomo terrace area was restricted, and only during particular days of the year citizens could come. Today, the City of Florence has opened the Santa Maria del Fiore Cupola for tourists. This decision has been really appreciated - now everybody can benefit from this extraordinary view. But if you are on a do-it-yourself vacation, you simply will not get in. There’s no other way to enter this area, the access is permitted only upon guided tours.
To get in the Florence Dome you’ll need to be a little patient, considering there are 463 steps to climb. But do not worry, being there it is surely worth the hassle. You’ll reach the northern Santa Maria del Fiore terraces passing through a secret passage located behind a door called Porta della Mandorla. Once you’ll be there, you never forget. You will enjoy the marvelous 360° sight of the Florence old city center, being at an average altitude of 30 meters.
The tour starts at
