Visit Giotto Campanile in Florence: tickets, prices, schedules

Ah, Florence! Is there such a rich culturally and historically rich city? To help you discover its treasures, here is our tour guide from Campanile de Giotto in Florence!

Located on the famous Piazza del Duomo, the Campanile de Giotto is the bell tower of the Cathedral of Florence, the church of Santa Maria del Fiore. This campanile tower is located on the right of the cathedral. The unusual position of the tower, aligned with the facade, demonstrates the architect’s desire to give great importance to this bell tower. Work of Giotto, the building is also a formidable testimony of the 14th century Florentine Gothic. Covered with white, red and green marble, the campanile tower surprises the spectator both by its positioning and by its architecture. The latter can also enjoy a wonderful view of the cathedral, Piazza and the roofs of Florence from its summit.

So what awaits you in this famous bell tower of the Cathedral of Florence? From its history to practical information, to time and rates, we devour everything you need to know to visit the Campanile de Giotto in Florence under the best conditions.

History of the Campanile de Giotto

In 1296 solemnly began the construction of the new Cathedral of Florence, the famous church of Santa Maria del Fiore. Construction of the building will last at least 170 years! The works are then directed by the famous Italian architect and sculptor Arnolfo di Cambio . The construction of the Campanile started in 1298. Its unusual position would probably be due to the need to release the absidale area for a large dome in the initial Arnolfo di Cambio project. For others, it is above all a decision of the painter Giotto di Bondone who wanted to give great importance to the bell tower.

In 1334, after the death of Arnolfo di Cambio in 1303. The bell thus bears the name of the painter Giotto because the project and the realization of the structure are mainly his work. Unfortunately the artist will not see the realization of his plans. Died in 1337, Andrea Pisano took over the unfinished construction site and continued the work until 1348, when the sculptor and architect died during the black plague epidemic! The following year, in 1349, the work was finally resumed by Francesco Talenti another sculptor and architect of the Italian Renaissance. It is he who will complete the construction of the Campanile, and will give it its final shape by solving in particular the problem of balance of the building.

If the Campanile is 84.70 metres high with a 14.45 metre quadrangular base, the original Giotto project provided a bell tower with a total height of 110 to 115 metres high, including a pyramid summit. If the bell tower bears the name of Giotto, creator of the structure, the building retains the artistic impression of the 3 illustrious Italian Renaissance architects who followed the project.

What to see and do at Giotto Campanile in Florence?

To start your visit, take the time to admire its exterior. This majestic bell is covered on each level white marble of Carrare , Prato green, Maremma rose and Siena red. These same marbles decorate the beautiful Cathedral of Florence and the Baptistery of Saint John. With its square base, its amazing look and its particular positioning, the Campanile is considered the most beautiful tower in Italy, but also as the most wonderful testimony of the 14th century Florentine Gothic!

Enjoy this moment to contemplate and observe the many statues and sculptures which decorate the bell tower on each level. The Campanile de Giotto is richly decorated with 56 reliefs, recorded on two superimposed records (on the first floor). You can admire in the first register of hexagonal medallions representing the Original Fall and Redemption by work the second, the symbolic figures of planets, virtues, liberal arts and sacraments. The second floor houses the niches with the statues of the prophets and sibylls: 16 statues of nature , which were made by illustrious Florentine artists and masters such as Andrea Pisano, Donatello and Luca della Robbia. This work is one of the most complete figurative cycles in the Middle Ages!

Know that bas-reliefs and sculptures are unfortunately copies. The originals are religiously preserved at the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo.

After contemplating this spectacular work and its rich decoration, you will have the opportunity to enter the bell tower and climb the stairs. It is indeed possible to reach the summit of Campanile du Giotto thanks to its 416 steps ! From the top of the most beautiful tour of Italy, you will enjoy a wonderful view of the city of Florence.

How to get to Giotto Campanile in Florence?

To visit the Campanile de Giotto in Florence, you will have to go to Piazza del Duomo, where the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is also located. Here is the exact address of the monument: Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy.

By public transport

Thanks to public transport, it will be easy to reach Piazza del Duomo, which is one of the main squares in Florence. ♪ lines C1 and C2 both stop at stops near Giotto’s Campanile: “ Studio for the C1 and " Roma Duomo » for the C2.

On foot

Obviously, you can easily reach the Campanile de Giotto on foot. This monument is close to all the other most important buildings and museums in the beautiful Italian city. From the train station, the Santa Croce district or the south shore, you can walk between 10 and 20 minutes to reach Piazza del Duomo.

To organize your transfers on foot or by bus, you can also use the Google Maps app.

Schedules & Rates of Giotto Campanile in Florence

HORARI

It is possible to visit the Campanile of Giotto in Florence daily from 8:30 a.m. to 7.20 p.m. .

Note that the last entry is normally done at 6:50. The bell tower is sometimes closed due to exceptional events. Don’t hesitate to book your ticket in advance to be sure that you can climb to the top of this essential monument in Florence.

RATES

The ticket to visit Giotto Campanile is a twin ticket It allows you to visit the Campanile di Giotto, the Cupola del Brunelleschi, the Battistero di San Giovanni Battista, the Cripta di S. Reparata and the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo.

• Adult : 18€
• Free for under 6 years

The ticket office closes 30 minutes before the visits end. After this time, it is no longer possible to access the bell tower. .