The Renaissance was a transformative period in European history, spanning roughly from the 14th to the 17th century. Marked by significant cultural, artistic, and intellectual advancements, it began the revival of classical artistic principles based on an interest in the human body and Western tradition. This revival resulted in highly acclaimed artwork now displayed in museums all around Florence.
Upon arrival, SRISA provides each student with an Amici Delgi Uffizi card. With this card, students with a valid ID and Uffizi card will gain access to the Uffizi Gallery, Patti Palace museums, Boboli Gardens, Bardini Gardens and so much more. For the Piazza del Duomo, consider booking tickets online in advance at the official Duomo Firenze website. Without a ticket, the lines to visit the Duomo complex can be long and exhausting.
Piazza del Duomo
Brunelleschi’s Dome, St. John’s Baptistry, the Opera del Duomo Museum, and the crypt of Santa Reparata are the four main monuments located in Piazza del Duomo. Attracting tourists year-round, each building is an architectural masterpiece constructed by prominent artists such as Michelangelo, Donatello, and Giotto. Typically, the monuments are open from 8 am to 8 pm, allowing visitors unless otherwise specified. When visiting the Duomo complex, it is best to purchase a three-day pass. Each pass allows access to different areas of the historical square. With each ticket, the holder must select a time to visit the largest attraction of the bunch.
The Brunelleschi Pass
The Brunelleschi pass gives access to all monuments in the Piazza del Duomo: Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Opera del Duomo Museum, San Giovanni’s Baptistery, and the Santa Reparata Cathedral. This pass is 30€ per person and valid for three days after the selected date to visit the Dome. To use the Brunelleschi pass, you must sign up for a specific date and time and show up at that time to climb the Duomo.
Brunelleschi’s Dome
Built on a design by Brunelleschi, the dome is a representation of Renaissance-period Florence. Built in 1420 and completed in 1436, the stone and brick dome was revolutionary. It implements a new design without wooden beams to support the structure and provide stability to the building. The architectural makeup of the dome is composed of two domes. The inner dome consists of eight panels, which are used to provide support to the overall structure. The bricks are laid in a herringbone pattern to strengthen the dome.
If you decide to climb the Duomo, the path to the top winds its way between the two domes. There is no elevator, so the only way to get to the top is by climbing all 463 stairs. The original purpose of the gap was to allow maintenance of the structure if necessary. Now, it has become a popular tourist attraction.
Tip: The start time of the visit is selected when purchasing the ticket to climb the Duomo.
The Giotto Pass
If climbing the Dome doesn’t appeal to you, the Giotto pass, which costs 20€, provides access to all the attractions except the Dome. Holders of the Giotto pass are expected to choose a time to climb the Bell Tower before continuing to the other three sites that the ticket allows access to visit. The Giotto pass is also valid for up to three days after the scheduled visit to the Bell Tower.
Giotto’s Bell Tower
Giotto’s Bell Tower is in close proximity to the Duomo. The tower’s name is the artist who designed it, Giotto di Bondone. In 1334, Giotto began the construction of the bell tower — he only completed the first few layers of the building before he passed away. Despite Giotto’s passing, his pupil Andrea Pisano continued the project, and in 1359, Francesco Talent finished the tower. Each layer of the exterior is different from the next. While the lower levels feature decorative panels and sculptures of biblical scenes, the upper levels showcase complex decorative patterns. Similar to the Duomo, there is only one way to access the top of the monument. Visitors can climb up 414 steps to reach the top and see a panoramic view of the city and its nearby monuments.
The Ghiberti Pass
The Ghiberti pass is the least expensive, retailing for 15€. It allows tourists to visit the Duomo Museum, the baptistery, and the cathedral — all located within the complex. Ticket holders must attend the Santa Reparata Cathedral at the timeslot chosen to visit the monument.
The Opera del Duomo Museum
The Duomo Museum, better known as the Opera del Duomo Museum, was founded in 1891. Its original purpose was to oversee the construction and maintenance of the Florence Cathedral, the baptistery, and the bell tower. Now, it preserves and exhibits artworks and artifacts from the Florence Cathedral complex. Visitors can connect with the art and architectural innovations that make up the Duomo complex.
Most of the works within the museum were commissioned pieces for a specific building within the Piazza. Some of the most notable works include Lorenzo Ghiberti’s original bronze doors of the Florence Baptistery, known as the Gates of Paradise. The original doors are located inside the museum, and replicas replaced them on the baptistery exterior. Another museum highlight is Michelangelo’s Pietà, a marble sculpture that has moved to the Duomo. Additionally, visitors can view Donatello’s Mary Magdalene, a popular wood statue instead of the traditional marble or stone.
San Giovanni’s Baptistery
The Baptistery of San Giovanni is believed to have been constructed in the 11th or 12 century. It stood as the main cathedral before the construction of Santas Maria del Fiore (Duomo). Located in front of the Duomo, the building, known for its architectural complexity and artistic designs is dedicated to St. John the Baptist, the patron saint of Florence. The most unique feature of the Baptistery is its set of bronze doors, which depict biblical scenes. The most famous set of doors is the Gates of Paradise, designed by the sculptor Lorenzo Ghiberti in the 15th century. Inside the Baptistery, the ceiling is decorated with mosaics depicting scenes from the life of St. John the Baptist.
The Santa Reparata Cathedral
The Santa Reparata Cathedral is dedicated to Saint Mary of the Flower. Santa Reparata underwent renovations over the centuries and was the main church until the construction of the current Florence Cathedral in 1296. You can still visit the original cathedral in the archaeological area underneath the current cathedral. The Cathedral became the center of Florence and is autonomous power. On April 26, 1478, during Sunday Mass, members of the Pazzi family and their allies launched a violent coup against Lorenzo and Giuliano de’ Medici resulting in the death of the latter. This event known as the Pazzi Conspiracy—forever marked the city’s history at the height of its Renaissance power.
Cathedral:
Mon–Sat 10:15 am – 4:45 pm
Closed to visitors on Sun & Religious Holidays
Dome:
Mon–Fri 8:15 am – 7:30 pm, Sat 8:15 am – 5:15 pm, Sun 12:24 pm – 5:15 pm
Closed Sunday mornings
Giotto’s Bell Tower, Duomo Museum & Baptistery of San Giovanni:
Daily 8:15 am – 6:45 pm
Duomo Museum closed the first Tues of the month
Baptistery closed at 2 pm on the first Sunday of the month
Crypt of Santa Reparata:
Mon–Sat 10:15 am – 4 pm, Sun 1:30 am – 4 pm
Gallerie degli Uffizi (Uffizi Museum)
The Uffizi Gallery, which origins dare back to the 16th century, houses a vast collection of artworks: paintings, sculptures, and other works. The museum, originally created for Florentine magistrates, later transformed into a gallery where you can see masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Botticelli, and Caravaggio. Some of the most famous works housed in the Uffizi include Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus and Primavera, Leonardo da Vinci’s Annunciation, and Michelangelo’s Tondo Doni. The building embodies the evolution of art and culture spanning the Italian Renaissance period. Due to its popularity, the Uffizi can be extremely overwhelming.
Purchase tickets here.
Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze
The Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze, better known as the Accademia, is home to the famous sculpture Michelangelo’s David. Founded in the 1780s, the gallery’s original use was to inspire young artists by displaying works of art for study. Over time, it evolved into a public museum, with a collection of Italian Renaissance art and noteworthy sculptures by Michelangelo, including his unfinished Prisoners series, which gave art historians insight into Michelangelo’s creative process. Ultimately, this insight lead them to conclude that he crafted David. In addition to Michelangelo’s works, the museum features a diverse array of paintings, sculptures, and religious art from the medieval and Renaissance periods.
Palazzo Pitti
Palazzo Pitti was built in the 15th century by banker Luca Pitti, and later purchased by Cosimo I de’Medici and Eleanor of Toledo as the new Grand Duke’s residence. Today, Palazzo Pitti houses eight museums and galleries, including the Palatine Gallery, Treasury of the Grand Dukes, Museum of Costume and Fashion, Imperial and Royal Apartments, Gallery of Modern Art, Palatine Chapel, and the Museum of Russian Icons. In addition to the indoor museums, the palace is also known for its stunning Renaissance-style Boboli Gardens. The garden features a mix of formal gardens, sculptures, fountains, and trails with incredible views of the city.
Written by Spring 2024 student Josie Zisman
Prepared for website by Summer 2025 student Marina Hishikawa