I did not climb the dome, so I can't give a true comparison, but by climbing the tower instead I got two great benefits: - No line for the tower - Fabulous views of Florence that include the Duomo! From the dome itself I think the views would be much less interesting as you can't look at the dome. There are several stops with views along the way to the top of the tower, so I actually thought I was at the top several time. :-) Keep climbing until your outside on the roof! The only hard part of the climb is the narrow stairs above the bell.

I LOVE ALL OF IT TOP TO BOTTOM. IT'S A WALK THROUGH HISTORY AND IT'S A PHENOMENAL CHURCH. I ATTENDED MASSES THERE REGULARLY AS I WAS GROWING UP. I HAD THE PLEASURE OF LIVING IN FLORENCE FOR 13 YEARS AND I TRULY APPRECIATE THE EXPERIENCE AND I MISS IT. THE DUOMO STANDS OUT AS A CASTLE IN A FOREST AND IT HAS BEEN RESTORED, CLEANED UP AND OFFERS REFUGE TO MANY TOURISTS AS THEY ADMIRE ALL THE DETAILED ARTWORK AND ARCHITECTURE OF EACH PART OF THE BUILDING. TRULY AMAZING AND A MUST SEE!

The Santa Maria del Fiore (The Duomoa) was a this womans' dream come true. It was the most beautiful sight that has ever been bestowed upon my eyes. We walked up the stairs and they were to say the least, tiring, but it was totally worth it because the view of Firenze was totally breathtaking. The artwork in the Duomo is absolutely the most beautiful I have seen. The architecture and intriccate craftsmanship of the buildings is absolutely incredible. Photos can not even capture the delicate, ornate detail that is etched within the marble on the outside of the Duomo. We do plan on another trip to Italy again, but this time it will be a land tour, not a cruise, as on a cruise, your time is limited, for we want to be able to get in every ounce of Florence that we can, because it is one beautiful city and you absolutely can not miss out on it! There is nothing I did not like, the only thing I can say that was a little bit of a pain was the traffic and the way people drive, but that's everywhere you go!

THE SCENE IS UN BELIEVABLE, IT HAS THE APPEARANCE OF A 15TH CENTURY PAINTING.THINK OF THE PATIENCE IT TOOK TO BUILD SUCH AN EDIFICE.I RECOMMEND GOING IN SEPT.,THE CROWDS ARE DOWN AND THE WEATHER IS PERFECT.

The Duomo brings together all the magnificent things that Florence has to offer ; art, architecture, science and history. Standing in front of it looking up is surpassed only by standing at the top of the dome and looking down. The facade is vibrant with red, green and dazzling white marble, ornamented with larger than life sculptures. Upon entering the cathedral the mood changes to magnificent dignity and grandeur. Walk slowly up the center of the cathedral and look both up to the towering ceiling and down to the intricate floor patterns. Upon arriving at the alter the dome's artwork shows its luminance. Afterwards, climb the stairs to the top of the dome, for a wonderful insight into the construction of this landmark, and enjoy your reward of a spectacular view of all Florence. This city is the center of the western world's art and science, and this structure has been the center of the city for over half a millennium. Savour it.

In May 1845 John Ruskin prolonged his stay in Pisa in order to draw the early 15th -century Palazzo Agostini on the Lungarno, or river bank, of the Tuscan city. "There is nothing like it in Italy that I know of", he said; and, writing to his father, he added: "They have knocked a great hole in the middle to put up a shield with a red lion and a yellow cock upon it for the sign of a consul, and they have knocked another at the bottom to put up a sign of a soldier riding a horse on two legs, with inscription All'Ussero Caf

This was my favorite place in Italy. The climb is difficult but the view is amazing. This was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen.

Visiting Santa Maria del Fiore was a dream come true. Everything about it was absolutely beautiful. The stairs to reach the top are tiring but absolutely worth it when you get up there and see the gorgeous view of Fienze. The artwork in the dome is amazing. The architecture and craftsmanship of the building are incredible. Pictures do not capture the delecate, ornate detail within the marble on the outside of the building. Someday I plan to return so I can have my breath taken away once again.

A visit to the Duomo is a must! It is beautiful inside and out and the long climb to the top is tiring but necessary. There is a rest point where you can catch you're breath for the bit and examine the marvelous frescos on the ceiling. But definitely climb all the way up for the awesome views of Florence. A highlight of our time in Florence!!

The cathedral is indeed spectacular from both the inside and the outside, but I think that all people have to climb to the top of the Duomo. It costs 3 euros if I remember correctly, but it was well worth it. after climbing the 500 sum, vertico inducing stairst you reach the top, and I must say that it is well worth the effort. You can see the whole city from atop the Duomo, and it was breath taking.