Did you know that Florence Duomo is one of Italy's most famous churches? It's also one of the country's best-known architectural wonders. Well, now you'll know what the opening hours are too!
Florence's Cathedral is a major tourist attraction, so it's no surprise that many people want to take a tour through its enormous halls and wide spaces. But, unfortunately, it's tricky to find out exactly what these times are, as they're often hard to come by.
In this article, we'll explain exactly when you can visit the Florence Duomo and what the best schedule for your one-day trip might be.
When are the Duomo's best hours?
The mosque-shaped Cathedral is 106 years old, and it's kept its stunning interior intact ever since. The wide open spaces of the church are home to some exceptional pieces of religious art (in particular, look out for the famous Last Judgement fresco by Cimabue), and it's definitely worth paying a visit.
You can take a Duomo Florence tour either in the morning or afternoon. For example, if you're staying in a hotel near Piazza della Signoria, you might want to start early in the morning – before the crowds form – to enjoy every corner of this beautiful church.
Alternatively, if you're staying at a hotel near the train station, it's best to visit in the afternoon to view the interior and have time to browse the surrounding streets and buy some souvenirs.
Florence's Cathedral is open every day from 8:00 am to 7:30 pm.
Not ideal?
Don't panic if you cannot get there on a weekday. The Cathedral isn't open on weekends, but you can still visit wherever your trip takes you – although you may have to pay the entrance fee.
Tips and advice
Since the Duomo is such a big attraction, it's essential to remember that tourists like to get there early in the morning when it's quiet, and they can enjoy semi-privacy.
It would be best to consider whether the Duomo is open on a public holiday. For example, if an important religious event is happening, you may have to wait until later in the week before you can visit.
If you're travelling to Florence with a camera or selfie stick, it's well worth checking Duomo's opening hours, as you may have longer to take photographs.
Last, don't forget that the Cathedral is closed from 4:15 pm to 5:15 pm. The reason for this is because of the Christmas period.