Giotto’s Bell Tower, Florence

Tower in Florence

Giotto's Bell Tower, or the Campanile di Giotto, is one of the top sights in Florence, rising elegantly beside the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Piazza Duomo. Clad in white, red, and green marble, its slender 14th-century form mirrors the splendour of the cathedral and Baptistery. The tower was begun in 1334 by the visionary artist Giotto di Bondone, whose architectural ambitions were as transformative as his painting. It is also a great place to visit on a walking tour of Florence, especially for those eager to experience its remarkable Gothic craftsmanship up close.

Although Giotto died three years into construction, the project continued under Andrea Pisano and was completed in 1359 by Francesco Talenti, who added the airy upper windows that give the tower its striking vertical rhythm. Today, Giotto's Bell Tower stands not only as a masterpiece of Florentine Gothic architecture but also as one of the best places to visit in Florence for its breathtaking city views and exceptional sculptural decoration.

History and Significance of Giotto’s Bell Tower
Things to See and Do in Giotto’s Bell Tower
How to Get to Giotto’s Bell Tower
Practical Tips on Visiting Giotto’s Bell Tower
Where to Stay close to Giotto’s Bell Tower
Is Giotto’s Bell Tower Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Giotto’s Bell Tower
Nearby Attractions to Giotto’s Bell Tower

History and Significance of Giotto’s Bell Tower

Giotto’s involvement in the project marked a turning point in Florentine architecture, blending Gothic forms with the emerging naturalism that would define the Renaissance. After his death in 1337, Andrea Pisano-best known for his bronze doors on the Baptistery-took over, continuing the decorative programme and supervising much of the lower structure. The final phase under Francesco Talenti introduced wide, elegant windows and completed the tower to its full 84.70-metre height.

The bell tower was conceived as part of a unified cathedral complex, both structurally and symbolically. Its rich sculptural programme-one of the most ambitious of the Middle Ages-reflects the medieval worldview, illustrating themes ranging from the creation of humankind to the planets, the virtues, and the seven sacraments. These reliefs emphasise the unity between divine creation, human labour, and civic life.

Things to See and Do in Giotto’s Bell Tower

The exterior is richly decorated with 56 relief panels arranged in two registers. These panels-created by artists including Andrea Pisano, Donatello, and Luca della Robbia-depict subjects such as astrology, the liberal arts, trades, virtues, and biblical episodes. Donatello’s “Sacrifice of Isaac” is a highlight, showcasing his gift for dramatic realism.

Above the reliefs, 16 life-sized statues fill the niches, representing patriarchs, prophets, kings of Israel, and classical sibyls. Although the originals have been moved to the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo to preserve them, the reproductions on the tower allow visitors to appreciate their intended placement.

A major highlight is climbing the 414 steps to the top of the tower. The ascent rewards visitors with one of Florence’s most spectacular panoramas-a sweeping view of the historic centre with Brunelleschi’s dome rising dramatically close by. The terrace provides ample space to take in the city’s rooftops, Arno River, and rolling Tuscan hills.

How to Get to Giotto’s Bell Tower

Florence Airport, Peretola, connects conveniently to the city centre via tram or taxi. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Florence on Booking.com.

Santa Maria Novella train station is a 10-15 minute walk from Piazza Duomo, making the bell tower easy to reach for most visitors. Use Omnio to easily compare schedules, book train tickets, and find the best prices all in one place for a hassle-free journey across Italy.

Driving is restricted due to ZTL zones; park outside the centre and walk or take a taxi to the cathedral complex. If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting Giotto’s Bell Tower

Suggested tips: Book ahead, especially in peak season, as timed entries often sell out.
Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and softer light from the terrace.
Entrance fee in Euros: Included in the Cathedral combo ticket, usually around €15-€30 depending on the pass.
Opening hours: Typically daily; seasonal variations apply.
Official website: Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore.
How long to spend: 45-75 minutes depending on climbing pace.
Accessibility: Not accessible; climb involves narrow stairs and no lift.
Facilities: Shops and cafés nearby; restrooms available at the museum.
Photography tip: Capture Brunelleschi's dome from the terrace for an iconic Florence shot.
Guided tours: Available through cathedral combo experiences.
Nearby food options: Numerous cafés and trattorias around Via dei Calzaiuoli and Piazza Duomo.

Where to Stay close to Giotto’s Bell Tower

For a refined stay metres from the cathedral, consider Hotel Spadai, offering modern comfort in a historic setting. Another excellent choice is Palazzo Niccolini al Duomo, known for its elegant rooms with views of the Duomo. Nearby, Hotel Brunelleschi provides boutique luxury in a restored medieval tower.

Is Giotto’s Bell Tower Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Whether you are an architecture lover, a photographer, or simply a curious traveller, climbing Giotto's Bell Tower offers one of Florence's most unforgettable experiences. Its intricate reliefs, historic significance, and unparalleled views make it an essential stop for any visitor.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.8 (7,609)

Giotto's Bell Tower in Piazza del Duomo is a celebrated Gothic marble-clad tower in red, green and white marble that rises beside Santa Maria del Fiore; visitors climb a narrow 414-step stair through several levels to reach a terrace offering 360-degree panoramic views of Florence, close looks at the Duomo and Brunelleschi's cupola, and vistas of the city and surrounding hills. Reviewers recommend booking in advance and going early to avoid heat and crowds, note the climb can be strenuous with tight passages and occasional waits for oncoming visitors, and praise the detailed reliefs, statue niches and decorative panels that echo the cathedral's façade. The tower is open daily from 8:15 AM to 6:45 PM.

Haiyan Chen

3 weeks ago

"Designed by Giotto di Bondone in 1334, later completed by Andrea Pisano and Francesco Talenti. About 84 meters (275 feet) tall, with seven levels.Built in Gothic style, with polychrome marble matching the cathedral: green, white, and pink. Decorated with reliefs, statues, and intricate carvings depicting biblical stories and human activities. Visitors can climb the tower’s 414 steps for panoramic views of Florence and the Duomo dome. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Florence’s historic center...."

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Chad Bosnian

2 weeks ago

"This was such a cool experience! I would recommend climbing the Giotto Bell Tower as opposed to the Duomo because it gives you the opportunity toview the entirety of the Duomo from a high vantage point and avoid some of the crowds and lines you might otherwise deal with at Duomo. Stu ing views, great experience. Definitely take your time going up and down the stairs. Only down side was squishing against the wall to accommodate traffic in the opposing direction. Still a 10/10 experience would do again...."

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Christian Charles

2 months ago

"Spectacular views of Florence from a masterful tower in the Piazza del Duomo akin the Duomo cathedral. You need to make reservations, and earlier inthe morning is better during the summer. We got there for a 10.30am appointment in late June and it was already very hot. The climb up the tower is not for the infirm...there are several narrow passages and the steps are numerous to reach the top. The views are worthwhile if you can make it. You get a great view of Brunelleschi's cupola, not to mention 360 degrees of the city...."

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FAQs for Visiting Giotto’s Bell Tower

There are 414 steps, with no lift available.

No, the originals are displayed in the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo for preservation.

Yes, though supervision is important due to narrow staircases.

Nearby Attractions to Giotto’s Bell Tower

Florence Cathedral (Duomo) - Iconic Gothic cathedral topped by Brunelleschi's dome.
Baptistery of San Giovanni - Ancient octagonal baptistery known for its bronze doors.
Museo dell’Opera del Duomo - Home to original cathedral sculptures.
Piazza della Repubblica - Historic square with cafés and arcades.
Orsanmichele - Former grain market turned church filled with Renaissance sculpture.

The Giotto’s Bell Tower appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Florence!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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