It is quite a climb to get to the top of the Duomo - I cant remember the exact stair count but it probably took about 20-30 minutes. The steps themselves are really worn from centuries of traffic and there are large stretches of stairs without handrails. However, the views from the top of the dome make the climb well worth it. The whole city of Florence is laid out below with red tile roofs stretching for miles and treed mountains surrounding it all. We stood and tried to absorb all of the beauty for at least 45 minutes. If you are physically capable and and in Florence, the views from the top of the Duomo are not to be missed.

Beautiful inside and out. Definitely worth it to stand in line and take the stairs to the top. A little tough and crowded but amazing once you get to the top. Try to see it at night, it is unbelievable!

The views at the top are well worth the climb for the non-claustrophobic. So much beautiful history in this city.

We entered through the stairs on the side as it opens at 8.30am instead of 10am at the front, it was approximately 500 stairs to the top but it makes the view even more fantastic, we wade over the dome of the cathedral and was really interesting to see the design of the cathedral from the inside whilst climbing. This cathedral is a must do for any tourist.