Practical details
Dress code and what to bring
The cathedral's rules on clothing, what you can carry inside, and where to leave anything that doesn't fit in a pocket.
Check availability ↗What's allowed
| Item | Rule |
|---|---|
| Shoulders and knees | Must be covered to enter the cathedral |
| Footwear | No flip-flops, slippers, clogs or heels on the stairs |
| Bags | Not allowed inside, of any size |
| ID | Required for every guest, including children |
The cathedral's dress code
Florence Cathedral is a working place of worship, so shoulders and knees need to be covered before you're let in — bring a scarf or light layer if your evening outfit doesn't already cover both.
Footwear for 463 steps
Flip-flops, slippers, clogs and shoes with heels aren't allowed on the climb, for the obvious reason that the stair is narrow stone and you'll be on it for half an hour. Flat, closed shoes are the sensible choice.
Why bags aren't allowed
No bags of any size are permitted inside the cathedral or on the climb. Free lockers are provided near the entrance, and your guide will walk you to them before the tour starts.
What the lockers don't take
Suitcases, backpacks and larger bags don't fit the free lockers — those need to go to the paid luggage storage at Piazza Duomo 38/r before you arrive at the meeting point, not on the night itself.
ID, every time
Every guest needs to bring identification, including children. This is checked at the meeting point, so it's worth confirming everyone in your group has theirs before you leave your hotel.
What's worth carrying
A phone for photos, your ID, and not much else — water is sensible in summer, but there's nowhere to refill once the climb begins, and nowhere to leave anything you weren't planning to carry up 463 steps.