Giotto's Bell Tower: Reserved Entrance
Climb the majestic Giotto's Bell Tower in Florence
- Giotto’s Bell Tower: Entry Ticket
- Baptistery, Opera del Duomo Museum and Santa Reparata (valid for 72 hours): Entry Ticket
- Florence Cathedral: Entry Ticket
- Digital audio guide for Florence Cathedral
Giotto’s Bell Tower Tickets and Information
- Giotto’s Bell Tower Address: Piazza del Duomo, 50122, Florence
- Opening Hours: Daily from 08:15 - 18:50
Is Giotto’s Bell Tower Worth Visiting
- It’s one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions!
- Definitely if you want to enjoy the views it offers.
- You do have to climb a lot of stairs, so may not be suitable for all.
What You See At Giotto’s Bell Tower
- Incredible views of the city
- The Bell Tower up close.
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About Giotto’s Bell Tower
Giotto’s Bell Tower (Campanile di Giotto) is one of the most iconic landmarks in Florence. It stands proudly next to the famous Florence Cathedral (Duomo). The tower is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, and it's celebrated for its beautiful decorations, its intricate bas-reliefs, and amazing views that it offers of the city from the top balcony.
The bell tower or campanile was designed by its namesake, ‘Giotto’ di Bondone, a famous Italian artist and architect who began work on the tower in 1334. Sadly, Giotto passed away before its completion, so never got to see the finished tower. The work was continued by Andrea Pisano, one of Giotto’s pupils and then later by Francesco Talenti.
The tower took over 20 years to complete and stands today as a testament to the skill of these master artists. The tower features multicoloured marble panels in shades of white, green, and pink, a common design element in Florentine art and matching the cathedral.
It’s 84.7 metres (277.9 feet) tall, so it’s not the tallest structure in Florence, but it is one of the most significant. There are 414 steps to the top, and at the top it offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding Tuscan countryside.
The bell tower is covered with sculptural decorations, including hexagonal reliefs which depict scenes from the creation of man, the arts, and various sciences, along with statues of prophets and sybils. The original sculptures have actually been taken down to protect them and replaced with copies. However, you can view the originals at the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, which you also get access to with most tickets for the tower.
You can climb the tower’s narrow staircase and you are rewarded when you get to the top with one of the best views of Florence. The climb is quite tough unfortunately as there are so many steps (no elevator available) so it isn’t suitable for all. There are stopping points where you can rest and admire the architecture.
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Giotto’s Tower FAQs
- How tall is Giotto’s Bell Tower?
- Giotto’s Bell Tower is 84.7 metres (277.9 feet) tall.
- How many steps are there in Giotto’s Bell Tower?
- There are 414 steps to reach the top of Giotto’s Bell Tower.
- When was Giotto’s Bell Tower built?
- Construction on Giotto’s Bell Tower began in 1334 and was completed in 1359.
- Who designed Giotto’s Bell Tower?
- Giotto’s Bell Tower was designed by ‘Giotto’ di Bondone (where the tower’s name comes from), and then continued by Andrea Pisano after Giotto’s death, and then completed by Francesco Talenti after Pisano’s death.
- How much does it cost to visit Giotto’s Bell Tower?
- Entrance is usually included in a combo ticket for the cathedral complex, which costs from €26.00. Click HERE to see ticket options.
- Is it hard to climb Giotto’s Bell Tower?
Yes, the climb is steep with over 400 steps involved but it is manageable with rest stops along the way. It isn’t suitable for all though and there isn’t an elevator available. - Are there elevators in Giotto’s Bell Tower?
- No, the only way up and down is via the stairs.
- Is the ticket to Giotto’s Bell Tower separate from the Duomo?
No, it’s usually part of a combined ticket that includes the cathedral and other sites. Our tickets clearly confirm what is included. Click HERE for ticket options. - Where can I get the best view of Florence?
- The top of Giotto's Bell Tower offers one of the best panoramic views of the city. Click HERE for ticket options.
- Is Giotto’s Bell Tower wheelchair accessible?
- No, due to the narrow staircase and lack of elevators.
Giotto’s Bell Tower Interesting Facts
- Giotto Didn’t See The Tower: Giotto sadly passed away before the bell tower was finished.
- Original sculptures are elsewhere: The original statues and reliefs on the tower are now housed in the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo for preservation and copies have been put on the tower instead.
- Hexagonal reliefs: The tower features 56 hexagonal and lozenge-shaped reliefs that depict important themes in human progress and history.
- Cultural significance: It’s one of the most visited landmarks in Florence, representing the pinnacle of Gothic art in the city.
- Five levels of beauty: The bell tower is divided into five distinct levels, each with unique sculptures and architectural details.
- Bell-less bell tower: Although it's called a bell tower, the bells are actually located within the cathedral, not in the tower!
- Pisano’s contribution: Andrea Pisano, who took over after Giotto's death, added the second tier and finished the sculptural decorations.
- Florentine views: From the top, you can see famous landmarks such as the Palazzo Vecchio, the Ponte Vecchio, and the Basilica of Santa Croce.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Giotto’s Bell Tower is part of the historic centre of Florence, which is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Useful Information About Giotto’s Bell Tower
Tips for Visitors
- Book Tickets Online: The tower is a very popular tourist attraction so we suggest booking your tickets online as it can help you to avoid queues and also guarantees your tickets.
- Combi Tickets: Tickets for Giotto’s Bell Tower are generally part of a combined pass that includes entrance to the Cathedral, Baptistery, and Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, so you can enjoy all on one ticket. Check the ticket before you purchase though. Our options clearly state what is included. To confirm, you don’t need a ticket to enter the cathedral.
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon is ideal for avoiding crowds. Sunset visits are particularly rewarding, offering golden views of the Florence skyline!
How To Get There
- Giotto's Bell Tower, Piazza del Duomo, 50122, Florence
