The Basics of the Florence Duomo

How do you say Duomo?

Dwoh-moh. Or Dwoe-moe, if you’re more of a Curly & Larry person.

What does that word mean?

It’s Italian for “a church with the features of, or having been built to serve as a cathedral” regardless of whether it’s still a church today. The etymology dates back to the Latin word domus, which means “house”, as in “house of God”.

You’ll find duomos in many Italian cities; another famous one being in Milan.

So, is the Cathedral the same thing as the Duomo?

Yes…and no. The Florence Cathedral and the Florence Duomo are the same thing, but there are many parts to the Cathedral complex, like the Baptistry, which is a separate building. More on that (and how to see it all) below.

What about the word ‘Basilica’; where does that come in?

Yes, it’s this too. The Greek and Latin forms of ‘basilica’ mean ‘royal place’. The specific basilica entity of the Florence Cathedral consists of the three naves flanking the area under the dome; this would have been near the alter, or the holiest of holy places.

Visting the Florence Duomo

How much is it?

That’s like asking for a pasta dish…you’ll have to be more specific!

There are several different ticket types:

What are the different parts of the Duomo?

Cathedral: this is synonymous with the word ‘Duomo’. This is the main church, where mass is still held on Sundays. This is the section that is free to enter, as long as you are modestly dressed with your shoulders covered.

Baptistery: this is a smaller cathedral that’s a separate building to the main cathedral. It’s known as the Baptistery of Saint John, and it’s in the shape of an octagon.

Dante Alighieri (the Father of Italian language) was baptized there in 1266 and the golden mosaics inside are all original, made by Venetian masters. The subject is the same as the Cathedral Dome – the last Judgement.

As its name suggests, this building was home to many baptisms, including those of the Medici family. We recommend a guided tour to learn more about its history.

Museum: since 1891, an area inside the Cathedral has been home to the Museum, which tells the stories of the architects, designers, painters, priests, and artisans who helped create and maintain the Cathedral since 1296. There are 28 rooms spread across three floors. The Museum had a renovation in 2015, and guests can now see works from Michelangelos, Donatello, Brunelleschi, Ghiberti, and many other famous artists.

The museum also hosts the 3 original doors of the Baptistry (made of bronze and gold) and one Pietà by Michelangelo.

Santa Reparata: perhaps the best place for kids to get involved, this is the crypt of the Basilica. An archaeological dig in the 1960’s-70’s revealed much of the church’s early structure, made of red brick. The original Cathedral was much larger than it is today.

Bell Tower: this may seem self-explanatory; this is where the Cathedral bells hang. It’s referred to as “Giotto’s Bell Tower” after it’s architect. There are 414 steps to reach the top. The Bell Tower is 84.7 meters tall and approximately 15 meters in breadth.

Dome: the most famous part of the Cathedral complex, this is Brunellschi’s famed double dome. You may also hear it referred to as a ‘cupola’. It’s famous for several reasons; it’s still the largest masonry vault in the world, meaning that no other reinforcements were used to create the stone curve that creates the domed effect. It’s also famous for being two domes; you can see the famous frescos on the inside dome, painted by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari. They tell the story of the Last Judgement. The external dome is adorned in terracotta tiles, as is the Florentine style.

There are 463 steps to reach the top of the Dome. This is the tallest structure in Florence, and local law prohibits any new construction taller than the cupola. The Dome is 52 m (171 ft) high and spans 44 m (144 ft) in breadth.

Where do I buy tickets?

You can purchase tickets directly on the Florence Cathedral’s website, or you can book a guided tour with us! Here’s what we include on our tours:

• Skip-the-Line Entry
• Access to the Rooftop (via the inner Dome, where you can see the ceiling up close)
• Access to the Private Terraces (on the Dome)
• A fully-guided museum tour with a locally licensed guide

We guarantee access to the private rooftop terraces on top of the dome. This is a not-to-be-missed view of Florence!

How do I get there?

The Florence Duomo is located at Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy. It’s a 10-15 minute walk from the Florence train station. You can also take the bus and get off at Santa Maria Maggiore, Proconsolo, Vecchietti, or Pucci Duomo depending on which line you take. Bus lines to the cathedral include C1, C2, C3, 6A, 6B, 11, 14, 23, and 23N. 

Or, you can meet us at our office, located at Via dei Cimatori 9R and we’ll walk there together.

What are the opening times of the Florence Duomo?

Monday 10:15 AM–3:45 PM
Tuesday 10:15 AM–3:45 PM (the museum is closed every first Tue of the month)
Wednesday 10:15 AM–3:45 PM
Thursday 10:15 AM–3:45 PM
Friday 10:15 AM–3:45 PM
Saturday 10:15 AM–3:45 PM
Sunday Closed

When’s the best time to visit the Florence Duomo?

We’re partial to getting an early start! We have tour times available as early as 9am (before the crowds). But we understand that not everyone is an early riser, so we also have afternoon times available.

The Cathedral gets crowded as the day goes on, so we recommend visiting early, then using your afternoon for another activity, like a hike up to Piazzale Michelangelo for an amazing view of Florence.

What’s the dress code of the Florence Duomo?

We recommend guests dress modestly, covering their shoulders and knees. Sleeveless shirts, shorts, and skirts above the knee are not permitted.

Can I attend Mass at the Florence Duomo?

Yes! You can check the schedule on the official Florence Cathedral’s website. They also offer a Mass in English every Saturday at 5pm.

Things to Do After Visiting the Florence Duomo

Where’s a good restaurant near the Florence Duomo?

Sasso di Dante for an old-world feel and Florentine specialties.

Sophia Loren for amazing pizza.

Le Mossacce for an open-kitchen experience

Eataly for excellent quality in a casual setting.

Where’s a good gelato near the Florence Duomo?

Gelateria Edoardo. It’s organic, too!

The History of the Florence Duomo

Who built the Florence Duomo?

Arnolfo di Cambio is credited with the design of the Florence Duomo. He started construction on the Cathedral in 1296, although it wasn’t completed in his lifetime. The facade remained unfinished until the 19th century, only being completed in 1875 by Emilio de Fabris.

Why was the Florence Duomo built?

There was once a larger church, known as Santa Reparta (today, you can see the remains of this church in the crypt) which was badly damaged throughout several wars and eventually torn down to make room for the modern Florence Cathedral. In addition to replacing the ancient church, the Duomo represents the wealth and prestige of Florence, and it marks the city’s place as the gem of the Renaissance.

When was the Florence Duomo built?

The Florence Cathedral’s construction started in 1296, and it lasted 72 years. It was completed in 1368.

What is the Florence Duomo made of?

The exterior of the Florence Duomo is constructed from pink, green, and white marble. This was mined from the Carrara, Massa, and Prato quarries. The base of the Duomo is sandstone and the arches and vaults are made of brick.

The Dome is made up of stone and brick (famously no wood was used to support it) and it’s still the largest masonry vault worldwide. The Dome was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, who is known as the father of Renaissance architecture. He worked on the Dome between 1420 and 1436. The Dome famously features a double-dome structure, made up of an inner and outer dome. The double shell is made of sandstone and marble and includes a herringbone brick pattern.

There are 44 stained glass windows surrounding the Dome along with gothic arches and inlaid marble mosaic floors.

What is famous about the Florence Duomo?

The Duomo is Florence’s Renaissance masterpiece! It’s a stunning example of Gothic architecture, and it’s considered to be a masterpiece of the first Italian Renaissance.

Who is buried in the Florence Duomo?

The architect of the famous dome, Filippo Brunelleschi, is buried here.

Our Most-Asked Florence Duomo Questions

Are we using bikes?

No! Our skip-the-line Florence Duomo tour is a walking tour. Your local, professional guide will meet you at our office and walk with you to the Cathedral. They will then guide you every step of the way, through all the various parts of the Duomo complex mentioned above.

Are there toilets inside the Cathedral?

No! Your last opportunity to use the restrooms is inside the Museum.

Is there an elevator?

No…there are 463 steps to climb! But don’t worry, we’ll take it easy

Is the Cathedral still used for celebrations?

No…the Cathedral is up for rent. But regular Catholic masses are still held here weekly.

Do they have marriage ceremonies inside the Cathedral?

They did at one point, but this is no longer allowed. The last marriage occurring in the Cathedral (that we’re aware of) was that of Grand Prince Ferdinando in 1688.

Which is bigger – the Rome or the Florence dome?

Florence! This is the biggest masonry dome in the world!

How much does the Dome weigh?

37,000 tons. That’s 3.6 Eiffel Towers!

How many people can fit inside the Cathedral at once?

The Cathedral can host up to 30,000 people at the same time.

How many people climb the Dome every year?

1.3 million people! So it’s worth it to get a skip-the-line ticket

Conclusion

The Florence Duomo isn’t just a pretty picture. There’s a lot to see and experience on the inside, underground, and on the rooftop! We would love to have you join us for our skip-the-line tour, or any of our Florence tours that see the Cathedral. And if you still have questions, we’d love to hear them at support@fattiretours.com.

We want to make your time in Florence engaging & memorable. We can’t wait to show you around!

The post Everything You Need to Know About the Florence Duomo appeared first on Fat Tire Tours.

We’re here to claim the top prize; we think it’s the most romantic city in the world, and for anyone planning on visiting the city during Valentine’s Day, we’re here to help amp up the romance.

Not that Paris needs much help. From its quaint cobblestone streets to its gorgeous sunsets, the city fends for itself very well in the romance department. However, if you’re following the crowd on this one, we’re here to break it down, one gentle step at a time, and help you kindle the romance.

What is romance?

Let’s go back to basics. What do people mean when they say “romantic”? Romance is defined as “a feeling of excitement and mystery associated with love.” Collins dictionary goes so far as to say that “a romance is a relationship between two people who are in love with each other but who are not married to each other.” Ouch, Collins. For the record, we still believe in romance, even when you’re married!

Romance is butterflies in the stomach; it’s euphoria. It’s looking into the eyes of the person you love and being present in the joy of the moment with them. It can take many different forms and come about in several scenarios. Paris happens to be a place where those moments are frequent.

Where do I find this romance?

Anyway and everywhere in this beautiful city! But to make things a bit easier, we’ve broken down the list of romantic things to do and romantic places in Paris to help you prepare for your Valentine’s Day trip. Or your anniversary trip. Or just a Tuesday; romance knows no bounds.

So here is our list of the most romantic things to do, places to see, and dishes to try in Paris. We’re certain that at least a few of these things will be aphrodisiacs.

Romantic Museums to Visit

Paris is known for stunning architectural landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre. These iconic buildings and monuments provide a picturesque backdrop for romantic strolls and picnics. But which ones are the most romantic?

Musée de la Vie Romantique

You weren’t expecting this one, were you? It’s not nearly as famous as the Louvre or the Musée d’Orsay, but this small museum located at the base of Montmartre houses some of the best works of the romantic writer George Sand and her peers. Entry is free, and the relaxing garden in front of the building is a picturesque place to cuddle up with your loved one on a bench.

Musée Rodin

This museum is all about the gardens. Take your partner’s hand in yours and stroll through the manicured lawn behind the museum to enjoy Rodin’s most famous works, such as The Kiss or the Gates of Hell.

Musée de l’Orangerie

It’s tempting to mention the Musée d’Orsay here, but we think that the little sister to the iconic left-bank landmark, the Orangerie Museum, is just as romantic, if not more. This tiny art enclave houses Claude Monet’s panoramic lily pad series. You can fully immerse yourself in the beautiful colors of his Normandy garden at any time of the year. You can also enjoy works by other greats, such as Cézanne, Picasso, Renoir, Matisse, and more.

Romantic Architecture

One might not think of buildings as romantic, but Paris’s mix of Haussmannian, Baroque, Gothic, Modern, and more make it a veritable playground for lovers of style. Not to mention, some of the most romantic movies have been filmed in Parisian streets. We’re channeling Amelie, Midnight in Paris, and Before Sunset, to name a few. So what are the streets you definitely shouldn’t miss?

Rue Crémieux

This colorful street in Paris’s 12th arrondissement seems out of a storybook. The plant-lined cobbled street is home to residential apartments tucked away near the bustling Bastille. It became pedestrianized in 1993, and the colorful facades ensued. Today, it attracts influencers, tourists, and lovers looking to stroll hand-in-hand down a beautiful passageway.

Rue Lamarck

If you find yourself at the beautiful Sacre Coeur Basilica, keep going north, and you’ll stumble upon rue Lamarck and the surrounding neighborhood. This expensive residential area of Paris has the best of everything: quaint cafés, a winding road up around a hill, big, beautiful apartment buildings, and views for days. Check out the Montmartre vineyard or stop into La Maison Rose for an extra-romantic afternoon.

A Stroll to the Louvre

We’re not telling you anything you don’t already know. The Louvre is stunning! But have you ever moseyed over to it from the left bank? We recommend starting at the Mabillion metro station about twenty minutes before sunset. Walk down rue e Buci and make a left onto rue de Seine. Enjoy the original buildings as you stroll; much of this area was not renovated by Haussmann in the 1800s, so you’re looking at OG Paris.

Towards the end of the rue de Seine, make a right under the arch leading to the Institute de France courtyard and be rewarded with a stunning view of the Pont des Arts and the Louvre. Stop on the bridge to enjoy the sunset or cross into the back courtyard of the Louvre to make your way to the pyramid. This area of Paris epitomizes romance.

Romantic Cuisine

Great food is synonymous with Paris, but where can you find the right atmosphere for love? We’ve compiled a few of our favorite restaurants and bistros that bring the ambiance.

Le Coupe-Chou

This vine-covered bistro in the heart of Paris’ Latin Quarter is the perfect dinner location for lovers. Tucked away on a tiny hill near the Sorbonne, it’s intimate, adorable, and delicious. Founded in 1962, parts of the restaurant date back to the 14th century. It’s an enchanting place for a candlelight dinner with your loved one.

Le Coupe-Chou

Amagat

If you’re looking for a secret garden, Amagat has it covered. And it’s covered in vines and vibes. Snag a table outside in nice weather and enjoy a candle-lit dinner on a cobbled path that looks straight out of a Hollywood rom-com. Or, enjoy the cozy interior in the winter; you can even warm yourselves up with an aperitif at its neighboring cocktail bar, Caché.

Amagat

Restaurant Bachaumont

Right in the heart of Paris, this trendy French restaurant is perfect for a tête-a-tête. The surrounding neighborhood boasts an amazing selection of bars for a pre or post-dinner drink. The dimly-lit room is inviting with its velvet upholstery and modern decor touches. It’s a lovely spot for a romantic evening out.

Restaurant Bachaumont

Romance All Around

From the expansive green parks to the cobbled streets, sidewalk cafés to the Michelin-starred restaurants, half-timbered houses in the Marais to the beautiful banks of the Seine, Paris is bubbling with romance! And whether you’re visiting with a long-time partner or a new love, there’s plenty of romance for everyone.

Why don’t you start your Parisian adventure with a food bike tour? Allow us to take you through some of the oldest neighborhoods in Paris and introduce you to our favorite wine, cheese, and desserts! Our Paris Food Bike Tour is a great way to get to know the city, taste some local delicacies, and enjoy a romantic picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower.

The post Why Paris is the Most Romantic City in the World appeared first on Fat Tire Tours.

By Sadra Sumner

2020 taught us valuable life lessons.  Plans don’t always work out, flexibility in life is key, and the health, safety, and security of our loved ones is vital to our happiness.  As we carry those thoughts into a new year, our own tempered expectations of 2021 travel trends can be daunting.  Will this be the year of full recovery, or will we still be limited for the foreseeable future?  We’re looking to the five biggest travel trends in 2021 to help predict when the mundane might involve a plane so that we can keep experiencing the world in the safest way possible. 

1. Domestic travel is king in 2021

It’s no surprise that border closures have encouraged thrill seekers to look around them.  A recent 2021 travel trends study by Expedia & ARC showed that local demand grew significantly in 2020, especially those with outdoor options.  With more people exploring what’s in their own backyard, we see this trend continuing to boost local experiences and an appreciation for insider knowledge when international travel fully resumes.

2. Work from home – wherever that may be

For many of us, our 2020 daily commute was transformed into a stroll to the kitchen table. Without the need to be close to the office, many found solace in being as far away as possible, reinforcing the ability for many to work from remote locations.  We anticipate many more nomadic workers as companies adjust to virtual teams.  Do you live to work, work to live, or a bit of both?

3. Flexibility in travel from A-Z

Phocuswire coined the term ‘flexible as default’ in late 2020.  Of all the 2021 travel trends, flexibility will most certainly be the new norm for hotels, airlines, and in-destination activities. Creating a seamless and enjoyable experience for guests will be the goal of every company that has a chance to win back business once tourism springs to life.  Many companies have adjusted their cancellation policies to make vacation planning a less-stressful activity.  Fat Tire Tours has adopted a no-questions-asked, full money-back guarantee within 24-hours on most tours, making it easier than ever to get your reservation started.

4. Sustainable Travel

Lonely Planet took a different approach to their 2021 Best in Travel awards, foregoing naming specific destinations to visit in the year ahead.  Instead, they decided to focus on those positively impacting tourism through three criteria: sustainability, diversity, and community.  Some of the positive effects of covid stretch beyond Wales residents being greeted by goats in their planters; those who would normally jetset to a few different countries every summer are starting to consider the environmental impacts that their carbon emissions are causing.  Sustainable Travel seeks to protect and conserve while still allowing for the opportunity to visit beautiful parts of the world.  Guests are looking for companies whose values align with preserving local heritage.  They also want to experience new places in a sustainable way that allows others to continue to enjoy it after them.  And they want to learn about these magnificent corners of the world from all points of view.  Ethical companies who act in good faith and a genuine desire to help others experience their home will be those who come back strong. 

5. Online or bust – the biggest trend

Some tourist attractions have never needed to rely on the internet to survive.  Consider the Blarney Stone or South of the Border; these are often stops along the way to a bigger hotspot.  But with government imposed restrictions and limited operating hours, we’re going to our phones more than ever to verify that these places will be open. That’s not just a 2021 travel trend; it’s likely the beginning of a new age of reserving activities.  Amadeus, a leading travel technology company, recently published a study claiming that 4 out of 5 travelers confirmed that technology would boost their assurance in travel over the next year.  This translates to more last-minute mobile bookings and the obligation of smaller companies to get online or close up shop.  

Conclusion

All roads are still leading to Rome, but they may just be closed for maintenance right now.  We’re confident that travel will bounce back soon, and in the meantime, we’re working hard to make your future tour with us extra special.

The post 2021 Travel Trends – what you need to know appeared first on Fat Tire Tours.

By Sadra Sumner

The Origins of Candy at Easter

3. Cadbury Cream Egg – an Easter classic

A royal treat, this 1875 concoction was patented by John Cadbury as he attempted to out-chocolate his competition. The cream filling, which wasn’t added until 1963, now varies from country to country. Other controversies abound, but we think the iconic egg is here to stay.

2. Jelly Beans – colorful non-chocolate treats

Colorful and ready to pop into your mouth, jelly beans make for a great post-dinner treat bowl. Jelly Belly has cornered the gourmet jelly bean market, coming onto the scene in 1976. With funky flavors like toasted marshmallow and the first non-fruit flavored jelly bean – chocolate pudding, the variety makes them hard to pass up.

1. Classic Chocolate Bunny – Easter’s centerpiece

The gold-wrapped, red-collared Lindt bunny represents a simple Easter pleasure. It’s a milk chocolate delight disguised in a whimsical rabbit shape. There is nothing quite as symbolic of Easter treats than this little guy at the end of an aisle. Or for many, on their kitchen table.

Conclusion

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The fête foraine in Paris kicked off on the 4th of July, and pubs in London reopened on the same day.  Even though Oktoberfest is cancelled this year, the capital of Bavaria responded with strict social distancing rules in order to get their famous beer-gardens up and serving.  The historic Giostra della Quintana will still take place in Foligno, Italy this August, a small province equidistant from Rome and Florence.  Music in the Parks will be restarting this August across Barcelona’s vast green spaces.  Simply put, Europe is reopening!

But it doesn’t look the same.  Masks are required in several indoor spaces, and pedestrians are either obliged to wear them outside or choose to do so.  Hand sanitizer is available at the entrance to stores, and even in public places that you wouldn’t expect.  Mediterranean beaches are reopening with scenes of bathers covering more of their face than their bodies.  

In the absence of overseas tourism and to counterbalance the last few months of lockdown, Europeans are starting to move around their respective countries and visit destinations not so far and wide from their homes.  A recent survey showed that 71% of French vacationers are choosing to stay within France, unlike most summer seasons where North Africa, Italy, and Spain are common getaway favorites.  Several European countries are also now allowing UK travelers to visit without facing quarantine.  So what’s the take-away?  Even though Europe won’t fully recover from the loss of a 2020 holiday season, locals are appreciating the wonders right at their doorsteps and enjoying the quiet and privacy relative to other summers, all while injecting a small flurry of activity into the tourism sector and allowing restaurants, hotels, and transportation companies to test out their covid safety measures on a small subsection of travelers.  It’s the calm before the storm. 

It may feel like many countries are still in the eye of the storm, but traveller’s intentions to visit Europe are at an all-time high.  A June survey shows that 80% of non-EU citizens are still looking forward to visiting Europe when they are able to do so, and the individual countries are acknowledging the importance of tourism and making plans for the future of it. 

Americans, Australians, and a handful of other countries with strict travel bans in place may feel like they’re missing out on the 2020 action.  In reality, Europe is still gearing up for travel to resume later this year or potentially in early 2021.  The safety measures that are being put in place now will have been tried and tested over the course of this holiday season so that you can travel with reassurance regarding social distancing, sanitization of high-touch areas (think payment terminals, public transportation, restrooms, etc.), and the silent, worldwide agreement that close talkers are unacceptable.

You may not know when you will be able to travel, but you can get inspired now!  We’ve redesigned all of our tours with special precautions in mind, such as:

• Sanitization of all handlebars, seats, and high touch surfaces before and after every tour
• All helmets sanitized pre and post-use
• Hand sanitizer available pre/post tour and on tour
• Government recommended social distance maintained at all times 

The majority of our tours are outside, and our skip-the-line museum tours, like our tours to Versailles in Paris, Florence Duomo tour, or Potsdam bike tour in Berlin are structured in a way to maximize safety.  Contactless check-in happens on all of our tours, and masks and gloves are available should you not have your own, or until Adam Sandler adds PPE to his list of going-out essentials.

So if you’re in the planning phase of your next European trip, even if you don’t know when that will be, here are three suggestions of some of our favorite, covid-safety approved city trips:

• Our Rome Night Bike Tour runs Sundays and Thursdays through the end of October, and gives you a chance to experience the vibrant night-life of the Trastevere neighborhood without compromising your safety.  We cruise through town just as the sun is setting and then stop along the banks of the river for a glass (or two!) of wine in an open-air setting with gorgeous views
• Our River Thames Small Group Tour in London departs at 10:30am for a day-time visit or 6:30pm for an evening of bike-riding in the open air.  We’ll stop for a pint in the evening!
• Our Barcelona City Bike Tour will kick off again at the end of July, and it includes parts of the Gothic neighborhood as well as riding along the beach-front. 

We are so excited to welcome our guests back on tour with us, and we look forward to showing you around our beautiful cities for another 21+ years. 

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