Which Florence Duomo Pass Should You Buy? Tickets Explained

Which Florence Duomo Pass Should You Buy? Tickets Explained

Florence’s Duomo complex has several ticket options, and choosing the right one can be confusing. The main difference is simple: the Brunelleschi Pass includes the famous Dome climb, the Giotto Pass includes the Bell Tower but not the Dome, and the Ghiberti Pass is designed for visitors who want to avoid both climbs.

Quick Answer

For most first-time visitors who want the complete Florence Duomo experience, the Brunelleschi Pass is the best choice because it includes Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery, Opera del Duomo Museum and Santa Reparata.

Choose the Giotto Pass if you want panoramic views from Giotto’s Bell Tower but don't want to climb the Dome. Choose the Ghiberti Pass if you prefer the historical and artistic attractions without climbing hundreds of stairs.

Florence Duomo Passes at a Glance

There are three main passes for visiting the monuments around Florence Cathedral.

Brunelleschi Pass

The Brunelleschi Pass is the most complete option.

It includes:

• Brunelleschi’s Dome

• Giotto’s Bell Tower

• Baptistery of San Giovanni

• Opera del Duomo Museum

• Santa Reparata

The pass is valid for 3 calendar days. Your Dome climb requires a specific reserved date and time, while the other included monuments can be visited during the pass's validity.

The standard adult price is currently €30.

Giotto Pass

The Giotto Pass includes almost everything in the complex except Brunelleschi’s Dome.

It includes:

• Giotto’s Bell Tower

• Baptistery of San Giovanni

• Opera del Duomo Museum

• Santa Reparata

This is a good alternative if Dome reservations are unavailable or you prefer climbing the Bell Tower.

The pass is valid for 3 calendar days, and the standard adult price is currently €20.

A time slot is required for your Bell Tower climb.

Ghiberti Pass

The Ghiberti Pass is the simplest option and does not include either major climb.

It includes:

• Baptistery of San Giovanni

• Opera del Duomo Museum

• Santa Reparata

The standard adult price is currently €15, and the pass is valid for 3 calendar days.

This is particularly suitable for visitors who are mainly interested in the history, art and architecture of the Duomo complex rather than panoramic viewpoints.

Is Florence Cathedral Free to Enter?

Yes. Entry to the main interior of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is free, so you don't need one of these passes simply to enter the Cathedral.

However, a pass is required for attractions such as Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery, Museum and Santa Reparata.

This distinction is important when comparing Florence Duomo ticket options.

Which Pass Includes Brunelleschi’s Dome?

Only the Brunelleschi Pass includes the climb to Brunelleschi’s Dome.

This is the option we recommend for first-time visitors who specifically want to climb to the top of Florence Cathedral.

The climb involves 463 steps and there is no elevator. The route includes narrow stairways and confined sections before reaching the panoramic viewpoint over Florence.

If climbing the Dome is one of the highlights of your trip, reserve this option in advance rather than leaving the decision until you arrive.

Brunelleschi Pass vs Giotto Pass

The biggest difference is the viewpoint.

The Brunelleschi Pass gives you access to both Brunelleschi’s Dome and Giotto’s Bell Tower, while the Giotto Pass includes the Bell Tower but excludes the Dome.

Giotto’s Bell Tower has 414 steps, also without an elevator.

For the fullest experience, choose Brunelleschi. If you mainly want a panoramic climb and don't mind missing the Dome interior, Giotto can be a good alternative.

We’ll cover the differences between these two climbs in our separate guide to Brunelleschi’s Dome vs Giotto’s Bell Tower.

Which Pass Is Best If You Don't Want to Climb?

Choose the Ghiberti Pass.

You can visit the Baptistery, Opera del Duomo Museum and Santa Reparata without doing either of the major climbs.

It is also the least expensive of the three main passes.

Remember that the Cathedral itself can still be visited separately for free during its visitor opening hours.

Which Florence Duomo Pass Is Best for First-Time Visitors?

If this is your first trip to Florence and you want the most complete experience, we recommend the Brunelleschi Pass.

The Dome is one of the defining architectural achievements of Florence, and climbing it gives you both a close look at the structure and panoramic views over the historic city.

However, it isn't automatically the right choice for everyone.

If you don't want to climb 463 steps, choose the Giotto or Ghiberti option depending on whether you still want a panoramic climb.

Do You Need to Book the Dome in Advance?

Booking ahead is strongly recommended if climbing Brunelleschi’s Dome is important to you.

Unlike several of the other monuments included with the Brunelleschi Pass, the Dome requires you to select a specific entry time.

You must arrive for that reserved time, and the reservation cannot simply be changed after the ticket has been issued.

For travelers with fixed dates in Florence, securing the Dome climb before planning the rest of the Duomo visit makes the most sense.

Important Before You Book

The Florence Duomo is not one single attraction with one entrance. Different parts of the complex have their own entrances, opening schedules and access rules.

Large and medium-sized bags and backpacks must also be left at the designated luggage storage before entering the monuments.

Appropriate clothing is required when entering religious areas.

Visitors should also know that restoration work can affect what is visible. As of 2026, restoration work is taking place on the Baptistery mosaics, meaning the vault mosaics are not currently visible.

So, Which Florence Duomo Ticket Should You Choose?

Choose Brunelleschi Pass if you want the Dome and the most complete Duomo experience.

Choose Giotto Pass if you want to climb Giotto’s Bell Tower but don't need access to the Dome.

Choose Ghiberti Pass if you want to explore the art, museum, Baptistery and archaeological area without a major climb.

For most first-time visitors, Brunelleschi is the strongest choice — provided you're comfortable with the 463-step Dome climb.

Before booking, compare the available Florence Cathedral and Duomo ticket options to find the experience that best matches your schedule and the parts of the complex you want to visit.