Giotto's Bell Tower (Campanile di Giotto)

The basics

Giotto’s Bell Tower is part of Florence's Duomo di Santa Maria del Fiore complex, which includes the Florence Duomo (Cattedrale di Santa Maria dei Fiori), Florence Baptistery (Battistero di San Giovanni), and crypt. Designed by Giotto di Bondone in 1334, the Gothic tower is decorated in the same colorful marble that covers the adjacent Duomo. It’s divided into five distinct tiers decorated with arched windows, sculptural works from statues to bas-reliefs by Andrea Pisano and Luca della Robbia, and geometric patterns of different colored stone.

Giotto’s Bell Tower is one of the most popular attractions in Florence, and booking a Duomo Complex tour that includes skip-the-line entrance to the tower, Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, and Baptistery of St. John is essential to avoid long lines to enter. Many Florence sightseeing walking tours and shore excursions also visit highlights like the Uffizi Galleries (Gallerie degli Uffizi), Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell'Accademia), and Piazzale Michelangelo.

Things to know before you go

• Giotto’s Bell Tower is a must for first-time visitors to Florence. Kids especially love the exhilarating climb and sweeping views from the top of the tower.

• There is a single skip-the-line ticket to enter all five parts of the Duomo complex—church, crypt, dome, bell tower, and baptistery—and the Opera del Duomo Museum (Museo dell'Opera del Duomo). The ticket is good for 72 hours after the first use.

• There is a lot of ground to cover in the Duomo complex, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes if taking a guided tour.

• If you are also planning on visiting the church, choose clothing that covers your shoulders and legs.

• There is no elevator to the top of the bell tower, so the climb is not recommended for those with heart problems, vertigo, or limited mobility.

How to get there

Giotto’s Bell Tower is in the Piazza del Duomo, about a 10-minute walk from the Santa Maria Novella train station and other key attractions in the historic center of Florence. If you can’t get there on foot, take the bus to Roma Duomo or have a taxi drop you off on Via dei Pecori in front of the piazza.

When to get there

The Duomo complex in Tuscany’s capital city of Florence is one of the most visited attractions in Italy and can be very crowded during the summer months. The best time for Giotto’s Bell Tower tours is from November to March, when the city sights are less overrun with tourists.

The Duomo’s second eagle-eye view

Florence’s Duomo complex offers two panoramic views of Florence: one from the top of Giotto’s Bell Tower and the second from Brunelleschi’s dome, which sits atop the Duomo itself. An important feat of engineering and architecture, the dome was completed in 1436 and is one of the most recognized symbols of the city today.

Ways to explore

Giotto’s Bell Tower is a must-see attraction in Florence’s Piazza del Duomo complex, and it’s best visited on a guided tour that also includes skip-the-line entry to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Florence Baptistery. After taking in the views from the top of the tower, head to the neighboring Opera del Duomo Museum to see the original sculptures that once decorated its facade.

If you’d rather admire Giotto's Bell Tower from ground level, you can do so on most Florence walking tours, which often include the Uffizi Galleries, Piazza della Signoria, and other city highlights.

Accessibility

There’s no elevator to the top of the bell tower, so the climb is not recommended for visitors with limited mobility. However, Piazza del Duomo is wheelchair accessible and has great views of the monument.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Water bottle, camera

What to wear

Clothing that covers your knees and shoulders is required to enter the neighboring cathedral and baptistery, and comfortable walking shoes are a must for climbing the bell tower.

Not allowed

Backpacks and large bags, tripods, non-service animals

Amenities

The Piazza del Duomo complex has restrooms, luggage storage, and a café.

Address

Giotto’s Bell Tower is located in Piazza del Duomo, about a 10-minute walk from the Santa Maria Novella train station and other attractions in Florence’s historic center. If you can’t get there on foot, take the bus or a taxi.

Driving

While tourists aren’t permitted to drive in central Florence, taxis are widely available. Have your cab drop you off on Via dei Pecori behind the baptistery.

Public transportation

Both the C1 and C2 bus routes through the city center stop at Roma Duomo, a few steps from the bell tower.

Best times to visit

Depending on your tour or ticket type, you may need a timed reservation to climb the bell tower. Aim to go before the midday heat.

Best days to visit

While Giotto’s Bell Tower is open daily, the cathedral is closed on Sundays. Visit Piazza del Duomo on a different day for a more complete experience.

Best months to visit

The bell tower is busy year-round, with the biggest crowds in the summer months. For a more serene experience, see it between November and March.

Special events

Piazza del Duomo is particularly atmospheric on Easter Sunday, when a 17th-century fireworks show called the “Explosion of the Cart” happens in front of the cathedral.