Giotto's Campanile
Campanile di Giotto
The Gothic bell tower beside the Duomo. Climbing its 414 steps gives a direct view down onto the red dome, the best spot for photographing the whole dome.
Giotto's Campanile stands about 85 metres tall. Work began in 1334 to a design by the painter Giotto, was continued by Andrea Pisano and Francesco Talenti, and was completed in 1359. Its exterior is faced with white, green and pink marble. The reliefs and statues on the lower levels are copies; the originals are in the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo. There is no elevator, so visitors must climb 414 steps. Several landings along the way offer a rest, and the top terrace is almost level with Brunelleschi's dome, making it better for photographing the full dome than climbing the dome itself. Admission is included in the cathedral combined tickets (the Giotto Pass, about €20, or the Brunelleschi Pass, which includes the dome). A timed reservation is not required, but queues are long in peak season. The stairs are narrow, so those who are afraid of heights or have knee problems should think twice.
Opening hours
About 08:15–19:45 (check the official website)
Nearby sights
- Florence Cathedral (Duomo)
- Medici Chapels & Basilica of San Lorenzo
- Piazza della Signoria
- Palazzo Vecchio
- Bargello National Museum
- Mercato Centrale
- Uffizi Gallery
- Museo Galileo