The Giotto’s Bell Tower is the bell tower of Florence Cathedral, begun by Giotto in 1334 and completed in 1359. With its 84.70 meters and covering in white, green, and red marble, it is one of the symbols of Florentine Gothic architecture. Climbing the 414 steps brings you to the panoramic terrace with views of Brunelleschi’s Dome and the historic center.
Don’t miss:
– 56 reliefs and 16 statues by artists such as Donatello and Luca della Robbia (originals at the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo)
– 7 historical bells, including the S. Reparata from 1475
– Cumulative ticket for the Bell Tower, Baptistery, Museum, and Crypt (valid 48 hours)
– Open every day: 8:15 AM – 7:45 PM (last entry 7:00 PM)
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03/06/2026 - 10/06/2026
Climbing the 414 steps of Giotto’s Bell Tower, surrounded by polychrome marble and 14th-century sculptures, you reach a terrace with views of Brunelleschi’s Dome and the heart of Florence.
- Piazza del Duomo, Firenze (FI)
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- View on Google Images Campanile di Giotto a Firenze
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Introduction: Giotto’s Campanile, a Jewel of Marble
Stepping into Piazza del Duomo and looking up at Giotto’s Campanile is a heart-stopping moment. White, green, and red, 84.70 meters high, it stands beside the Cathedral as if reaching for Brunelleschi’s dome. It is Florentine Gothic at its most elegant, a bell tower that is not merely a tower but a true encyclopedia carved in stone. Climbing its 414 steps is tiring, but every landing reveals new perspectives: the mullioned windows, the polychrome marbles, the silhouette of the rooftops. At the top, the view is an absolute reward: Florence lies at your feet, with the dome dominating the skyline. This is no ordinary visit—it’s an experience that gets under your skin.
Historical notes: from Giotto to Talenti
The history of the Bell Tower begins in 1298, when Arnolfo di Cambio dug the foundations. But it is Giotto who gives it its true imprint, in 1334. The artist died three years later, leaving only the base; it fell to Andrea Pisano and then to Francesco Talenti to complete the work in 1359. The initial project included a spire, never built, but the harmony of masses and marbles is nonetheless perfect. The decorations tell the medieval world: work, virtues, planets, and sacraments. In 1956-57 five bells were recast, a sign of a tower still alive.
- 1298 – foundations by Arnolfo di Cambio
- 1334 – Giotto directs the construction site
- 1337 – upon Giotto’s death, Andrea Pisano takes over
- 1359 – Francesco Talenti completes the bell tower
The Ascent and the Terrace: A Dreamlike Florence
Climbing the 414 steps is a journey through the tower itself: first the rooms with single lancet windows, then those with double lancet windows, until you reach the belfry with its seven bells (one is named Santa Reparata). The stairs are steep and narrow, but you proceed slowly and stop often. The final stretch opens onto the panoramic terrace, protected by nets. And here the spectacle is total: at 360° you see the Brunelleschi Dome, the Baptistery, San Miniato, and the surrounding hills. The campanile’s polychrome marbles, seen from above, intertwine with Florence’s rooftops. A tip? Bring a small bottle of water and breathe before you start.
Sculptures, Reliefs, and the Concert of the Bells
The Campanile is not just architecture: it is an open-air museum. Along the base run 56 reliefs that tell the story of the creation of humanity, human activities, the planets, virtues, and sacraments. Above, 16 statues of prophets and sibyls watch over the city; among the artists, Donatello and Luca della Robbia stand out. Attention: what you see are casts, because the original works are in the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo. Up high, in the belfry, are seven bells: the largest, Santa Reparata, weighs about 5,000 kg and dates back to 1475 (recast in 1705). Two are historic, the others were recast in the 1950s. A heritage that combines art, faith, and everyday life.
Why Visit It
Beyond its beauty, Giotto’s Campanile offers practical advantages. First: an unbeatable view of Brunelleschi’s Dome without having to climb it – and with less effort. Second: the cumulative ticket of the Opera del Duomo allows you to also visit the Baptistery, the Museum, and Santa Reparata, so you can organize a single experience in the heart of Florence. Third: its strategic location on Piazza del Duomo makes it very easy to fit into any itinerary, even with limited time. And then, let’s be honest, the satisfaction of having climbed 414 steps and looking at Florence from above is priceless.
When to go
The best time? Right when it opens, when the low morning light illuminates the white, green, and red marbles and the air is still fresh. Alternatively, late afternoon offers a golden sunset over the city, with shadows stretching across the rooftops. Avoid the central hours of the day, especially in midsummer: the queue can be long and the climb under the sun is not ideal. If you can, choose a clear day, maybe after rain: visibility reaches all the way to the hills and the view truly becomes endless. In winter, with crisp air, the sweeping view of the Dome and the Apennines is spectacular.
Nearby
After the descent, you’re already in the heart of Florence’s heritage. Just a few steps away is the Baptistery of San Giovanni, with its bronze doors and gilded mosaics: it’s worth a stop, even just to admire the exterior. Then pop into the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo: it’s there that the original sculptures from the bell tower are preserved, including the famous Habakkuk by Donatello. It’s the perfect way to complete the journey, going from copies to the original. And if you still have time, Piazza della Signoria is just a stone’s throw away, but even simply strolling through the streets around the Duomo reveals surprising corners.
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💡 Did You Know…?
Fun fact: Giotto only saw the first level of the tower, as he died in 1337, and the original design included a spire that would have brought the bell tower to 115 meters. Today the tower is featured in video games like Assassin’s Creed and appears in Dan Brown’s novel ‘Inferno’. If you go at sunset, the view over the hills and the Duomo is pure magic.