Giotto’s bell tower – 84.70 metres high and around 15 wide – is one of the four main buildings of the complex of Santa Maria del Fiore. Covered in white, red and green marble, the majestic square-based bell tower designed by Giotto can be visited by climbing its 414 steps up to the top, from where you can enjoy an extraordinary view of Brunelleschi’s Dome.
The construction works of the bell tower of Santa Maria del Fiore, overlooking Piazza del Duomo, were started by Giotto in 1334 and continued after his death by Andrea Pisano. It was Francesco Talenti, creator of the windows in the upper part, who completed them.
The bell tower has a structure characterized by four corner pillars. The eye is immediately captured by its Florentine Gothic architecture, the polychrome marble cladding and the richness of sculptures and decorations done by some of the greatest Florentine masters of the 14th and 15th centuries: Andrea Pisano, Donatello and Luca Della Robbia. There are 56 superimposed reliefs and 16 life-size statues of saints, prophets and pagan sibyls placed in the niches. The originals of all the sculptures are kept in the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo. There are 7 bells, all decorated with episodes from the life of Mary and each with its name, coat of arms and emblems of the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore and the City of Florence.
You can reach the top of the tower by walking up the 414 steps (there are no lifts). This exciting experience lets you enjoy a wonderful view of the city and the hills around Florence and allows you to see Brunelleschi’s Dome from a unique perspective.
An incredible experience for those not afraid of heights!
