The Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore, also known as the Duomo, is located in the center city of Florence, Italy. The Duomo was built in the early 1400s and stands at over 380 feet tall, making it one of the largest cathedrals in the world! That means climbing to the top is no easy feat.
The climb itself takes about 15 to 20 minutes depending on how many picture stops you make on the way up. In order to reach the top of the Duomo, first you must ascend a little more than 460 stairs.
As you begin your trek to the lookout point, the path will lead through the cathedral’s main floor as well as many stone stairwells. If you pay close attention to the walls near some of the windows you might even spot dates carved into the stone (I saw one from the 1800s!).
The optimal time to climb to the top is close to sunset. Not only will the lighting be perfect for pictures, but it creates a stunning orange and pink haze behind the mountains!
Warning for those who have claustrophobia: some of the stairwells are small and the ceilings are a little low in some areas. The lookout point itself could also be a challenge to those who are afraid of heights.
My Top Tips for the Climb
- Wear comfortable shoes. Sneakers are the best option because the stairs can be slippery at times.
- Take your time! If you need to stop for a short breather, do it!
- Watch your head! On the way down the ceilings are especially low.
- Wear layers. The walk up might be warm, but the winds at the top can be chilly.
“And the voices in the waves are always whispering to Florence, in their ceaseless murmuring, of love – of love, eternal and illimitable, not bound by the confines of this world, or by the end of time, but ranging still, beyond the sea, beyond the sky, to the invisible country far away!”
Charles Dickens
Adventures with Alexis 
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