Campanile di Giotto, Florence

The Campanile di Giotto is the elegant bell tower of the Florence Cathedral. It's considered one of the most beautiful spires in Italy thanks to its harmonious coloring and its sculptural decorations. The tower is made of white, green, and red marble, similar to the Cathedral.

Facts about the Campanile

The construction of the belfry began in 1334 and three years later the architect Giotto di Bondone passed away, not living to see his construction finished. Following his death, the bell tower was completed by Andrea Pisano in 1359.

The lower floor of the tower is decorated with 54 bas-reliefs and the top part of the belfry has numerous alcoves adorned with statues of saints and prophets. All the statues are copies, but you can see the originals in the Museo dell’ Opera del Duomo.

Florence from Above

The Campanile di Giotto has 414 steps that lead to the highest point of the structure, but the way up is not at all tiresome. Visitors will be pleasantly surprised when they get to the top at 277 ft (84 m) and see one of the most beautiful panoramic views of Florence.

If you do not have much time to visit Florence and have to choose between the Cathedral’s bell tower and the dome, we recommend climbing to the top of the latter and witnessing Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari’s Last Judgment.

Tickets + Guided Tour

It is possible to visit two of the most important buildings in Piazza di San Giovanni to explore the Baptistery and the Duomo Museum on a tour that includes a climb up Giotto's bell tower for one of the best views of Florence:

• Baptistery & Duomo Museum Tour + Giotto's Bell Tower