Explore the stunning Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence after the crowds have gone. This exclusive VIP tour offers a unique opportunity to skip the lines, climb the iconic dome, and access private terraces for breathtaking panoramic views. Led by an expert guide, you’ll explore the cathedral’s rich history and witness the Keymaster’s light-turning ceremony, a ritual that marks the church’s official closing. Don’t miss the chance to experience the magic of Florence’s architectural gem in a truly extraordinary setting.

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Key Points

Exclusive 2-hour VIP tour of the Duomo of Florence after public hours, allowing access to the cathedral’s private terraces and a 463-step climb to the dome’s summit.
Skip-the-line entry to the Duomo and guided exploration of its frescoes, architectural marvels, and the Keymaster’s light-turning ritual at the end of the day.
Enjoy panoramic views of Florence’s iconic red-tiled roofs and surrounding hills from the Duomo’s private terraces and the top of the dome.
Learn about the Duomo’s history and construction details from an expert English-speaking guide, providing in-depth insights into this architectural masterpiece.
The tour is not suitable for children under 7, individuals with claustrophobia, or wheelchair users due to the physical demands of the dome climb.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The VIP Duomo After Hours Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore Florence’s iconic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as the Duomo, after it has closed to the general public.

During this exclusive 2-hour experience, guests will skip the ticket lines, climb the 463 steps to the top of the dome, and gain private access to the Cathedral’s terraces for breathtaking panoramic views.

Led by an expert English-speaking guide, the tour also includes witnessing the Keymaster’s official closing of the church and learning about the Duomo’s fascinating history and architecture.

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Itinerary Highlights

Participants begin the VIP Duomo After Hours Tour at the Colonna di San Zanobi in Florence’s Piazza del Duomo.

They’ll skip the ticket line to enter the iconic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Guests will climb the 463 steps of the dome, admiring the frescoes and learning about its engineering.

They’ll then access the cathedral’s private terraces for close-up views of the magnificent dome.

After the public closure, the group explores the main sanctuary with an art expert, witnessing the Keymaster’s ritual of turning off the lights – a magical end to the tour.

Exploring the Cathedral Interiors

As guests ascend the 463 steps of the cathedral’s iconic dome, they’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas over the city of Florence.

But the magic doesn’t stop there. Once inside the cathedral, the tour grants exclusive access to areas typically closed off to the public.

Exclusive access to areas typically closed off to the public awaits visitors within the cathedral’s hallowed halls.

Guests can:

Explore the main sanctuary after it closes to the general public, gaining insights from an art expert guide.
Witness the Keymaster turning off the lights, marking the official closing of the church.
Admire the stunning frescoes adorning the cathedral’s interior.
Gain a deeper understanding of the Duomo’s construction and history.

Climbing the Iconic Dome

After exploring the cathedral’s interior, guests eagerly climb the 463 steps to the top of the iconic Duomo.

The spiral staircase winds upwards, offering glimpses of the intricate frescoed dome. As climbers ascend, they’re rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Florence’s red-tiled roofs and the distant hills.

At the summit, visitors can closely inspect the dome’s impressive engineering and architecture.

The tour culminates with the magical moment when the Keymaster officially closes the cathedral, turning off the lights and marking the end of the exclusive experience.

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Accessing the Cathedral Terraces

With exclusive access, guests are then led to the rarely-visited cathedral terraces. Here, they’re treated to up-close views of the iconic Duomo’s massive dome:

Visitors can observe the intricate terracotta tiles and decorative architectural elements of the cathedral’s exterior.
Guides provide insights into the dome’s ingenious construction, sharing the story behind its ambitious engineering.
Guests can admire panoramic vistas of Florence’s historic city center, with stunning vantage points across the rooftops.
This private access allows for a more immersive and intimate experience, without the crowds found on the public areas.

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Experiencing the Keymaster’s Ritual

The highlight of the VIP Duomo After Hours Tour is the magical moment when the Keymaster turns off the cathedral’s lights, signaling the official closing of the holy site.

As the final visitors exit, the group enjoys a rare private audience with the Keymaster. They watch in awe as he performs his centuries-old ritual, using a large, ornate key to lock the main doors.

The sanctuary is left in a serene, dimly lit ambiance, allowing guests to absorb the cathedral’s sacred atmosphere after hours.

This exclusive experience provides a profound sense of connection to Florence’s rich history and religious traditions.

Important Guidelines and Inclusions

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, there are a few important guidelines to keep in mind.

Firstly, the meeting point is at Piazza San Giovanni, by the column of San Zanobi next to the Baptistery of St. John, and participants should arrive 15 minutes prior to the tour start.

Secondly, the tour includes skip-the-line tickets, private access to the cathedral terraces, and dome climb access, as well as an English-speaking guide and headsets.

However, it excludes hotel pick-up/drop-off and gratuities.

Plus, the tour isn’t suitable for children under 7, individuals with claustrophobia, or wheelchair users.

Lastly, specific dress code requirements must be followed due to the religious nature of the cathedral.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photographs During the Private Tour?

Yes, you can take photographs during the private tour. The tour allows visitors to capture the cathedral’s stunning architecture and views from the terraces, as long as they don’t use tripods or disrupt the experience.

Is There a Dress Code for the Dome Climb?

Yes, there is a dress code for the dome climb. Visitors must have their shoulders and knees covered due to the religious nature of the cathedral. High-heeled shoes, shorts, and sleeveless shirts are not allowed.

How Much Time Is Allotted for the Dome Climb?

The tour allows 30-45 minutes for the dome climb. Participants can take their time ascending the 463 steps and admiring the breathtaking views from the top of the iconic cathedral.

Are Audio Guides Provided in Addition to the Live Guide?

Audio guides aren’t provided; instead, the tour includes insights from a live English-speaking guide. This allows for a more interactive and personalized experience as you explore the cathedral and climb the dome.

Is There a Minimum or Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour has a maximum group size of 19 people. There is no minimum group size specified. The small group size allows for a more personalized experience with the live English-speaking guide.

The Sum Up

This exclusive VIP Duomo After Hours Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Florence’s iconic cathedral in a serene and uncrowded setting. Visitors can climb the 463 steps to the top of the dome, access private terraces for stunning panoramic views, and witness the Keymaster’s ritual. Led by an expert guide, this immersive experience provides an in-depth look at the cathedral’s rich history and architectural wonders.