Giotto’s Bell Tower in Florence stands as a remarkable symbol of Italian Gothic architecture, a must-visit for any traveler in this captivating city.
Part of the Florence Cathedral complex, the tower — also known as Campanile di Giotto — was designed by the esteemed artist and architect Giotto di Bondone. Its construction began in 1334 and reached completion in 1359.
This majestic masterpiece soars 84.7 meters (277.9 feet) high, embodying the grandeur of Italian Gothic design.
Ascending to its top for Florence’s panoramic vistas involves climbing 414 steps—no elevators here, so prepare for a bit of physical activity. Yet, the reward awaits as you’re treated to breathtaking views of Florence and its surroundings, making the exertion entirely worthwhile.
This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets to the Giotto’s Bell Tower.
Top Giotto’s Bell Tower Tickets
# Duomo Entry Ticket with Brunelleschi’s Dome
# Duomo & Brunelleschi’s Dome Entry with Audio App
# Duomo Complex Tour with Giotto Tower Ticket
Table of contents
- What to expect at Giotto’s Bell Tower
- Where to book tickets
- How do online tickets work
- Giotto’s Bell Tower ticket price
- Giotto’s Bell Tower tickets
- How to reach Giotto’s Bell Tower
- Giotto’s Bell Tower timings
- How long does the tour take
- Best time to visit Giotto’s Bell Tower
- FAQs about Giotto’s Bell Tower
What to expect at Giotto’s Bell Tower
When exploring Giotto’s Bell Tower in Florence, prepare for an immersive journey blending art, history, and breathtaking panoramic vistas.
This iconic structure stands as a pinnacle of Italian Gothic architecture, captivating visitors with its intricate design and captivating marble façade.
Adorned with a blend of white, green, and red marble, the Bell Tower’s exterior features statues and reliefs that depict biblical tales and diverse characters, offering a visual storytelling experience.
Ascending the tower’s 414 steps unveils not just panoramic views but also a physical and historical adventure.
At the summit, a 360-degree panorama awaits, showcasing Florence’s marvels—the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, Arno River, and the city’s rooftops—a photographer’s paradise offering a unique city perspective.
Within the tower, exquisite frescoes by esteemed Florentine artists like Andrea Bonaiuti and Taddeo Gaddi await discovery, adding artistic splendor to your visit.
For a deeper dive into its significance, consider joining a guided tour led by knowledgeable experts. These tours offer historical and architectural insights that enrich your understanding of the tower’s cultural importance and the city’s rich history.
| Giotto’s Bell Tower Tickets | Ticket Prices |
|---|---|
| Duomo Entry Ticket with Brunelleschi’s Dome | €47 |
| Duomo & Brunelleschi’s Dome Entry with Audio App | €55 |
| Duomo Complex Tour with Giotto Tower Ticket | €69 |
| Baptistery, Duomo Museum, Cathedral, & Bell Tower | €84 |
| Duomo Area Tour and Brunelleschi’s Dome Climb | €58 |
Where to book tickets
The tickets for Giotto’s Bell Tower Florence are available online in advance or at the ticket office in Piazza Duomo.
Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the venue.
When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the ticket counters.
When you book early, you also get your preferred time slot.
Because some attractions sell a limited number of tickets, during peak days they may sell out. Booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.
How do online tickets work
Go to the Giotto’s Bell Tower ticket booking page, select your preferred date and time, and choose the number of tickets to buy.
Once you complete the bookings, the tickets will be emailed to you.
You don’t need to carry printouts.
On the day of your visit, you can show the e-ticket on your smartphone and enter the attraction.
Bring your official IDs.
Giotto’s Bell Tower ticket price
The Duomo Entry Ticket with Brunelleschi’s Dome is priced at €47 for all adults aged 15 years and above.
Children between seven and 14 years of age pay a discounted price of €37 for entry.
Infants aged six years and below can enter for free.
Giotto’s Bell Tower tickets
With this ticket, you get access to Brunelleschi’s Dome, one of Florence’s most iconic structures.
Before exploring the complex, ascend to the dome’s lantern for an expansive view over the old center’s charming red rooftops. From this vantage point, catch glimpses of the River Arno, Tuscan hills, and other scenic sights.
Continue your journey to the Cathedral, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery, and more, each showcasing Florence’s magnificence.
The Florence Cathedral, with its awe-inspiring dimensions, houses the vibrant fresco, “The Last Judgment,” meticulously created by Zuccari and Vasari.
Witness the baptistery’s three original doors, including the renowned “Gate of Paradise” crafted by Ghiberti. Immerse yourself in the architectural marvel at the heart of Florence.
It’s important to note that the climb to Brunelleschi’s Dome may not be suitable for individuals with vertigo, mobility impairments, claustrophobia, pregnant women, or wheelchair users.
Prepare to climb 463 steps as there is no elevator in the complex, so comfortable shoes are essential.
Additionally, ensure your shoulders and knees are covered for access to the cathedral’s ground floor, baptistery, and crypt, though this requirement doesn’t apply to other dome sites within the complex.
Ticket Prices
Adult Ticket (15+ years): €47
Child Ticket (7 to 14 years): €37
Infant Ticket (up to 6 years): Free
Duomo & Brunelleschi’s Dome Entry with Audio App
Secure your ticket for easy access to Brunelleschi’s Dome, an integral part of Florence’s Cathedral.
Upon arrival at the meeting point, present your voucher to the local assistant to collect your tickets and commence your adventure.
Please note, backpacks are not permitted, but worry not—free luggage storage is available for your convenience.
Embark on an exploration of the Dome, once the largest structure globally, and ascend its 463 steps to marvel at its remarkable egg-shaped design.
Engage with the special audio guide, provided in Italian, English, French, and Spanish. Crafted and regularly updated by an in-house art historian, this guide enriches your experience.
As you tour the Dome’s interior, immerse yourself in countless paintings and stained-glass windows, including the breathtaking Last Judgment frescoes by Zuccari and Giorgio Vasari.
At the summit, soak in a stunning panoramic view of Florence and its surrounding vistas, culminating your journey atop this architectural wonder.
Ticket Prices
Adult Ticket (15+ years): €55
Child Ticket (7 to 14 years): €22
Infant Ticket (up to 6 years): Free
Duomo Complex Tour with Giotto Tower Ticket
Secure your ticket for a guided tour of Florence’s Duomo Square, including an exploration of the Giotto Bell Tower and breathtaking panoramic city views.
Meet your guide to streamline your journey through Florence’s main piazza, home to the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral.
Delve into the city’s history and architectural splendor, discovering insights into Florence’s golden age within the impressive walls of this fourth-largest church globally.
Uncover the stories behind prominent Gothic and Renaissance artists pivotal in crafting the Florence Cathedral, gaining a deeper appreciation for their contributions.
Your tour extends to the Baptistery of St. John, an ancient and revered structure, adorned with magnificent golden mosaics embellishing its apses and interior Dome.
Remember to dress appropriately, covering your shoulders and knees, to ensure access to the church and a seamless exploration of these historic marvels.
Ticket Prices
Small Group Tour
Adult Ticket (15+ years): €69
Child Ticket (7 to 14 years): €39
Infant Ticket (up to 6 years): Free
Private Tour
Adult Ticket (15+ years): €119
Child Ticket (7 to 14 years): €69
Infant Ticket (up to 6 years): Free
Baptistery, Duomo Museum, Cathedral, & Bell Tower
Embark on a guided tour exploring Florence’s religious heart, encompassing the Baptistery, the Cathedral (Duomo), and the Opera del Duomo Museum.
Discover the grandeur of the Florence Cathedral’s interior, one of the world’s largest and most significant churches. Notably, Filippo Brunelleschi’s spectacular Dome construction commenced in 1296, concluding in 1436.
Explore the Baptistery, an ancient Florentine Romanesque structure, and the Opera del Duomo Museum, home to original artworks from the Duomo Complex. Marvel at masterpieces such as Ghiberti’s original Gates of Paradise and Michelangelo’s Pietà Bandini, alongside one of the most extensive collections of Donatello’s works.
Cap off your journey by ascending Giotto’s Bell Tower across three stories, offering a panoramic city skyline and showcasing the monumental dominance of Brunelleschi’s enormous Dome.
Note that Giotto’s bell tower climbing is available for the morning tour at 12:45 pm and the afternoon tour at 6 pm.
Ensure appropriate attire with full-sleeved shirts and trousers, as short skirts, sleeveless tops, sandals, or flip-flops are prohibited. Additionally, this tour is not suitable for children under five.
Ticket Prices
Adult Ticket (15+ years): €84
Child Ticket (6 to 14 years): €48
Duomo Area Tour and Brunelleschi’s Dome Climb
Join this enlightening tour, meeting your knowledgeable guide for a concise 40-minute exploration into the rich history of Florentine religious buildings within Piazza del Duomo.
Uncover the significant civic importance of the Baptistery, Cathedral, and Giotto’s Bell Tower, revered symbols reflecting the local population’s profound cultural value.
Your guide will equip you with essential information regarding your ticket, granting access to all sites in Piazza del Duomo, including the impressive Museo dell’Opera del Duomo.
Cap off your experience by being guided to the entrance for your independent ascent of the magnificent Brunelleschi Dome. From this vantage point, enjoy a breathtaking view of Florence’s cityscape, offering a panoramic vista from the city’s highest point.
Please note that this tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, heart conditions, fear of heights, respiratory issues, altitude sickness, low fitness levels, or claustrophobia.
Ticket Cost: €58
Save time and money! Buy the Florence Pass, the key to exploring the city’s top attractions. Visit the world-renowned Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery and get skip-the-line access to Brunelleschi’s Dome. The pass also includes a downloadable audio guide app.
How to reach Giotto’s Bell Tower
Giotto’s Bell Tower is adjacent to the Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Baptistry of St. John.
Address: The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy. Get Directions.
You can reach the Campanile by car or public transportation.
By Bus
Take buses C1, C2, 6, 11, 14, or C4 to reach Olio, Roma Duomo, Santa Maria Maggiore, or Vecchietti bus stops. It’s a 2 to 4-minute walk to reach the Bell Tower.
By Car
If you’re traveling by car, turn on your Google Maps and get started.
There are enough parking garages around the attraction.
Giotto’s Bell Tower timings
The Giotto’s Bell Tower is open daily from 8.15 am to 6.45 pm.
The Bell Tower remains closed on 25 December and 1 January.
How long does the tour take
Exploring Giotto’s Bell Tower typically spans 45 minutes to an hour.
The highlight of your visit involves ascending the tower via its 414 steps. The duration to ascend and descend may vary based on individual physical condition and climbing pace.
At busier times, expect potential queues before your climb, and the stairwell might be congested, potentially extending your visit.
For a more relaxed experience with ample time to appreciate the views, consider budgeting closer to an hour. This leisurely pace allows for extra exploration and a chance to soak in the scenery.
However, if time is limited or you’re in a hurry, a visit can be completed in approximately 30 minutes, catering to a more expedited tour.
Best time to visit Giotto’s Bell Tower
Early mornings, especially at the bell tower’s opening time of 8.15 am, offer an ideal window to explore with fewer crowds.
This opportune moment allows for a serene and picturesque experience, providing better chances to savor the panoramic views in tranquility.
Late afternoons present another excellent option as the day transitions. The softer lighting creates a beautiful ambiance, ideal for capturing stunning photographs of the city.
Additionally, with some tourists having visited earlier, you might encounter smaller crowds during this time.
Opting for a weekday visit is advisable as they typically attract fewer visitors than weekends, resulting in shorter lines and a more spacious climb experience.
FAQs about Giotto’s Bell Tower
Here are a few frequently asked questions about the Giotto’s Bell Tower Florence:
Giotto di Bondone was a renowned Italian painter and architect who lived during the 14th century. He is credited with designing the bell tower, which is named after him to honor his artistic contributions and role in creating this architectural masterpiece.
Construction on Giotto’s Bell Tower commenced in 1334 and reached completion in 1359. Integral to the Florence Cathedral complex, this tower stands as an iconic symbol of Italian Gothic architecture, harmonizing with the cathedral’s grandeur. Its purpose was twofold: to accompany the cathedral and serve as a testament to the remarkable artistic and engineering achievements of its era.
Tickets for Giotto’s Bell Tower can be purchased in advance online or in person at the ticket office on-site. It’s advisable to book in advance to avoid long queues on the day of your visit.
From the top of the tower, visitors may enjoy captivating panoramic views of Florence and many of its famous sites. You can see Florence Cathedral, Brunelleschi’s Dome, the Palazzo Vecchio, and more from the top.
Giotto’s Bell Tower, with its historic design, lacks elevators, making it potentially challenging for individuals with mobility issues or disabilities to access. The climb entails navigating a considerable number of steps, which could pose difficulties for some visitors.
Ascending and descending Giotto’s Bell Tower requires conquering a total of 414 steps. The duration can fluctuate, contingent upon your physical condition and climbing speed. Typically, it spans about 30 minutes to an hour on average. Since there are no elevators, the climb can be physically demanding, so anticipate some exertion. Wearing comfortable shoes is recommended, allowing you to take your time and fully appreciate the spectacular views awaiting you at the summit — definitely worth the effort!
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