Wouldn’t it be fine to explore the inside of Brunelleschi’s Dome, the one that caps the Duomo of Florence? It’s simple to do.
Well, once past the entrance exercise of ascending the 463 narrow steps that is.
Ok, so you’ve been warned. No fair knocking the stars off the review because the narrow stairs were a pain. The whoosh of electric elevators were heard quite rarely in 1400’s Florence.
Besides, the stairs between the double-dome structure allow you to see Brunelleschi’s techniques and they were the very stairs workmen used to get to the building site. There are likely more tourists today and they are very likely to lack the physical conditioning of the workers, so be prepared for the inevitable slow-downs. There are no passing lanes.
How to Climb to the top of Brunelleschi’s Dome
First, of course, you’ll need a ticket. You can buy one in Florence or you can get reserved tickets online: Brunelleschi Dome & Florence Cathedral
You’ll likely need a bottle of water and a pair of sturdy shoes with non-stick soles. Bring a camera.
You’ll see the Last Judgement fresco by Giorgio Vasari that lines the top of the dome—and then you can go out and get that panoramic view from the top of Florence and a bit of the Tuscan countryside.
If you’re in love with the dome there are things you can do
Read: The recommended book is Brunelleschi’s Dome by Ross King.
Why not rent a former law office with stunning views of the dome? Piero Asso owns the Florentine apartment you want and he’s renting it to tourists. It’s Asso’s Place and if you ever wanted to play a well-to-do resident of Florence, you’ll want to stay there. I mean it. Two bedrooms, two baths, a very well equipped kitchen, and…this view:
If not, here’s a lodging map centered upon the Duomo: