Florence Duomo: Exclusive: Early Access to Cathedral & Baptistery

No visitor would renounce visiting the Florence Cathedral, rooftop or Baptistery. But… have you ever wondered what these amazing monuments look like at daybreak, quiet and still before crowds of people start entering?

Imagine meeting the person who opens the Duomo’s impressive door, or the Baptistery’s gleaming “Gates of Paradise”, walking inside before anybody else, and seeing the lights go on.

Now you can, thanks to this novel, spectacular, and exclusive early morning Tour, a unique small group tour crafted to offer a privileged viewpoint on the Duomo and Baptistery. Admire these two exceptional landmarks when they wake up, see the doors open for your eyes only and watch the lights go on!

meet the “chiavigero”, the person in charge of opening this jewel case of artistic magnificence. The moment the key turns in the lock, and the doors open, you will start perceiving the interior, still dim and silent. Get ready to be surprised: the next thing the key bearer will do is turn on the lights, firstly those that reveal the amazing frescoed vault. Watch the light slowly illuminate the 3600 square meter masterpiece painted by Vasari and Zuccari. Admire the elaborate, vibrant “Last Judgement” fresco, watch the elders of the Apocalypse, the angels, and the saints come to life before your eyes.
Follow your guide, and gaze at the Duomo’s dazzling clock: painted by Paolo Uccello, it tells time from sunset to sunrise! Listen to its uncanny history and then discover the rest of this beautiful church.

At the end of the visit, time to treat yourself to a tasty Italian breakfast: join the locals at the bar of a historical café and enjoy a delicious espresso, cappuccino, and brioche!

After breakfast, follow your guide over to the Baptistery: the “chiavigero” will now fling Lorenzo Ghiberti’s gilded “Gates to Paradise” open, allowing you to access this splendid landmark and, again, enjoy the amazing chance to see it awaken and come alive.
Watch the light slowly flood into the octagonal-shaped space, and embrace the gleaming golden ceiling mosaics. Let your guide lead you through the Baptistery, discovering its hidden secrets and splendid masterpieces.

Crown your tour with a memorable viewing of Brunelleschi’s cupola. Access the Duomo again from a privileged entrance, the Porta Canonici open solely for your party, and climb up to the world’s most famous dome. Once on top, relish the extraordinary cityscape, and appreciate learning about Brunelleschi’s talent, the people he worked with, and how he built the cupola. Meantime, enjoy watching Florence, and Florentines, from high above.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• We regret to inform that this tour is not suitable for guests with wheelchairs or with impaired mobility
• A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements.
• Comfortable shoes suggested
• Please note the number of steps to reach the top of each monument: Terraces: 153 Terraces + Brunelleschi’s Dome: 153 + 310
• Due to the security checks, please be informed that for the entrance to the Dome and Terraces, bulky backpacks and bags are not allowed to climb.
• We are sorry to inform you that pets are not permitted on our tours
• Operates in all weather conditions

• Florence Duomo: Exclusive: Early Access to Cathedral & Baptistery
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• Exclusive access: VIP small group tour of the Cathedral, Baptistery and Brunelleschi’s Dome
• Climb on top of Brunelleschi’s dome (skip the line)
• Amazing with the first light of day and relish the coolness of the early morning hours at dawn
• Private English-speaking guide
• Be the one to open the doors, at daybreak, be the only one inside!

• Hotel Pick up
• Gratuities

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Please be advised..

• This Tour is Provided by Towns of Italy.
• Tour Timezone & Starts at Europe/Rome.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
• This Tour is Rated 4 Stars based on 12 valid reviews on VIATOR.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 10 Travelers is accepted for booking.