If you’ve ever dreamed of standing beneath the soaring red-tiled dome that defines the skyline of Florence, you’re not alone. The Florence Duomo, formally known as Santa Maria del Fiore, is one of the most iconic churches in the world. It is also considered a true masterpiece of Renaissance engineering and beauty. Most visitors admire it from the piazza or climb to the top of Brunelleschi’s dome, but there’s far more to this cathedral than meets the eye.
As professional guides who spend every day revealing Florence’s hidden layers to curious travelers, we love sharing the lesser-known stories that make this monument unforgettable. Here are three surprising things you probably didn’t know about the Florence Duomo:
There’s a Hidden Terrace Few People Visit
Most visitors admire the Florence Duomo from the ground or climb straight to the dome – but few ever set foot on the rooftop terraces. With our Florence Duomo Exclusive Tour, you gain rare access to this restricted area, where Florence truly opens up before your eyes. These spectacular hidden terraces, tucked just beneath the dome, offer a far more exclusive—and far less crowded—vantage point.
Stroll along the elevated walkways and admire close-up views of the intricate marble façade, centuries-old architectural details, and unmatched panoramic views of Piazza del Duomo and the city’s red-tiled skyline.
It’s a breathtaking, crowd-free experience that offers a unique perspective on the Cathedral—inside and out. This is one of Florence’s best-kept secrets, and one few travelers even know exists.
Step outside onto the exterior balcony, and you’ll find yourself eye-level with Florence’s rooftops, the bell tower, and even the dome’s soaring curves. And all this – without the tight crowds of the usual climb. It’s a spot where you can pause and breathe in the crisp Tuscan air. Then you can truly take in the scope and beauty of the Duomo from a privileged perspective.
Pro Tip: This terrace is only accessible through certain small-group guided tours that include special admission, not through a general entrance ticket. Booking in advance is essential, especially in high season.
Brunelleschi’s Dome was Built Without Scaffolding
Most visitors to the Florence Duomo either admire its grandeur from the outside or take on the 463-step climb to the top of Brunelleschi’s dome. Filippo Brunelleschi’s dome is a feat that still mystifies engineers today.
Constructed in the 15th century without traditional scaffolding, the dome was built using a revolutionary herringbone brick pattern and an inner self-supporting shell. No one had ever attempted anything like it, and most Florentines at the time didn’t believe it would work.
Brunelleschi even kept some of his methods secret, refusing to share his full designs. His invention would influence dome construction for centuries, including the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
Pro Tip: Want to understand how he pulled it off? Head to the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, just behind the cathedral. The museum holds models, tools, and sketches related to the dome’s construction. A plus is the fascinating video that walks you through Brunelleschi’s genius step by step.
The Original Façade Was Torn Down—and Left Unfinished for Centuries
That stunning white, pink, and green marble façade you see today? It’s actually not original. The first façade, built in the Gothic style, was torn down in the 16th century. Then, for more than 300 years, the front of the Florence Duomo remained incomplete. Locals referred to it as a “faceless” cathedral.
It wasn’t until the 19th century, after an international design competition, that the current neo-Gothic façade was completed. So the Duomo’s face, as we know it today, is actually one of the newest parts of the building.
Pro Tip: Look closely at the statues and carvings on the façade! Some of the faces and details reflect 19th-century aesthetics and even political messages from the time of Italian unification. Ask your guide to point out the symbolism you might otherwise miss.
Ready to Explore the Florence Duomo Differently?
Don’t just visit the Florence Duomo—discover its secrets, walk its hidden paths, and see the city from a perspective few ever do. With our Florence Duomo Exclusive Tour, you’ll skip the lines, access the rarely seen rooftop terraces, and explore the cathedral’s fascinating history with an expert guide by your side.
From Brunelleschi’s daring engineering to the hidden terraces few visitors discover, every corner of this cathedral invites you to look a little closer. And once you understand the history behind that magnificent façade, you’ll never see it the same way again.
Whether it’s your first time in Florence or your fifth, taking the time to explore these lesser-known details will transform your visit from memorable to truly unforgettable. So next time you gaze up at the dome or step inside its cool marble interior, remember: the Duomo still has surprises to share—if you know where to look.
