Rome to Florence: Day Trip to the Duomo

Florence, in actuality, isn’t that far, and with the country’s excellent train lines, the birthplace of the Renaissance is accessible in the blink of an eye.  

Trenitalia’s Frecce trains, of which there are three varieties, are all high speed and will shoot you up to Florence in approximately 90 minutes.  Getting there in that kind of time means you could even enjoy a lie in and late breakfast!  

Florence is teaming with fantastic things to do and see, the center of which is, of course, the Duomo.  The Florentine skyline would look strangely empty without it.  And, if you’re only in Florence for the day, then this is an absolute must.  No if, ands or buts.  

Quick Overview 

Construction on the Duomo was built in 1296 and was completed about 150 years later.  It was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio, but the church’s signature dome is credited to Filippo Brunelleschi.  Although the church was consecrated in 1436, the facade was not yet complete and wouldn’t be until the mid-19th century, explaining it’s neo-Gothic style.  

Getting there

By Foot:

If you haven’t got suitcases or anything big to carry, then you can actually walk from Florence’s Santa Maria Novella train station.  It’s a short 800 meter, or 10 minute, walk away.  Exit the station onto Piazza della Stazione, turn right and walk down Piazza dell’Unità Italiana.  Then turn onto Via Panzani and make your way straight to Piazza di San Giovanni.  Here, turn right onto Via Martelli.  Hey, presto!  You’re there!  

By Bus:

Alternatively, forget the walk, and jump on the bus.  The C1 takes almost the exact same route, but is half the time and effort!

Once You’re There:

Also located here are Giotto’s beautiful campanile (bell tower) St. John’s Baptistery and Museo dell’Opera del Duomo.  

Giotto’s bell tower is a shining example of Florence’s gothic architecture and can also be climbed.  

The octogonal St. John’s Baptistery stands opposite the Duomo and is marked by its beautiful bronze doors (there are three of them).

And, the museum stores amazing pieces of Renaissance art from all the big guns, Michelangelo and Donatello to name, but a few.  

The beautiful frescos and stain glass windows are a thing to marvel at, but it is the dome that steals the show.  Built support free with a double shell, the cupola (dome) was revolutionary at the time of its construction.  And, one of the best things to do when visiting the Duomo is to climb the 463 steps to the top.  Here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Florence below.