Giotto's Bell Tower image

Giotto's Bell Tower

Tourist attraction

Celebrated red, green & white marble-clad Gothic tower with steps leading to a terrace & city views. People often mention view, climb, tower, Florence, worth, steps, stairs, views, Duomo, ticket,


Address

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

Website

ilgrandemuseodelduomo.it

Contact

+39 055 230 2885

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (5.6K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: Open 24 hours
  • Saturday: Open 24 hours
  • Sunday: Open 24 hours
  • Monday: Open 24 hours
  • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
  • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
  • Thursday: Open 24 hours

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: view (28) climb (27) tower (22) Florence (22) worth (21) steps (18) stairs (14) views (14) Duomo (14) ticket (13)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Christopher L. 1 year ago on Google
    This experience was AMAZING. Your ticket comes packaged with other experiences around the cathedral. This is probably one of the lesser known parts of your ticket package, though. The climb is somewhat intense, but there are plenty of stopping points along the way to enjoy the view. Once you get to the top, the view is absolutely breathtaking. You get a 360 degree view of the entire city. My family and I were excited to be able to point out all of the places we had gone as well as see the surrounding hills and landscape. The pictures you will take up at the top are ones that you will find on post cards. Beautiful landscapes surrounding one of the most beautiful cities in the world. This is definitely an experience that should be fit into your trip. Protip: We found that there were always lines to climb the tower during the day but in the evening it was pretty empty. They stop allowing climbers to start at 7pm (as of this review. And the tower actually closes at 745 so there is plenty of time) so we started at 630 and there were only a few people around. Also note that this isn't one of the attractions that force you to go in by time slot. This is a free climb, you go in and climb and come down at your own pace/time.
    21 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 공과장 (Manager K. 2 months ago on Google • 1436 reviews New
    The white and blue marble covered tower looks so beautiful. If you are a person who doesn’t like the crowded situation like me, visiting early might be helpful. From certain stage, there is only one staircase going up and down.

  • 5/5 Pong L. 4 months ago on Google • 470 reviews
    Very nice cathedral, chapel and Bell tower. The exterior is very beautiful and nicely lit up at night. Inside is okay, the ceiling is very nicely decorated and you can also get a ticket to visit the roof top. You can also check out the chapel, and cathedral. I enjoyed my time here and would recommend checking it out when in Florence.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alexis W. 6 months ago on Google • 40 reviews
    A stunning and once-in-a-lifetime experience from a traveller from the other side of the world. The stairs burn the calves for a minute, but the views are well worth it. I recommend going in one of the first morning intakes to enjoy the calm above the city. With entry to the Cathedral, Baptistery and the Museum as well, the basic entry ticket is well worth the price. Note that before you line up, you should check any backpacks into the complimentary Luggage Storage on the other side of the cathedral. There are a lot of stairs, but there are levels for slower patrons to pause at most flights. I got vertigo going up the final level but the structure feels very solid, and safe.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Orlando G. 1 year ago on Google
    Book tickets in advance and get there at opening and you can beat the crowds and be treated to a wonderful early morning view of the entire city of Firenze and it’s beautiful surroundings. A must for anyone capable of doing so, there are 414 steps to climb up and then back down, and several sections that become quite tight and would not be great for anyone suffering from claustrophobia. But the views are absolutely worth the hike, and there are several levels where one can take a break from climbing and enjoy the view.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 SAMAN M. 7 months ago on Google
    The elderly should beware of the stairs! The ticket office is very close to this tower, and the ticket is called Giotto Pass with which you can visit other places too. It costs 20 euros. There is always a line and the line is shorter in the morning usually around 8:15. There are many many stairs. So, be ready and have a water bottle. It is not recommended if you have knee problems or are elderly. There are places to stay and take your breath as you go up, but anyway, it is a difficult climb. Once you reach the top, you will be able to see the whole city which is very beautiful. I cannot say if it's worth all the effort or not. You have to decide for yourself.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kasey Raia S. 1 year ago on Google
    Make sure to buy your tickets (in advance online or right when you want to go up) then get your climbing shoes on! This climb up can get pretty narrow and there is traffic going both ways (not controlled entry times like the Duomo). There are a few levels on your way up to take a rest and catch the views from that level, so that helps break up the stairs a little. It was fun to look across to the people on top of the Duomo as well. The views are pretty incredible at the top, and you take your time!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 ENRIQUE C. 3 months ago on Google • 177 reviews New
    So some exercise and get a unique view from the city!! It’s totally worth it, the stairs are a hit narrow but the views, architecture and history behind this bell tower is absolutely fascinating. Totally worth it! Make sure you make a reservation online before even flying to Florence. Get the tickets and you will have to pick them up from the office before getting to the tower.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Margarida P. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing and one of the most beautiful pieces of architecture I have ever seen! Come prepared because you will have to go up 400 stairs to get to the top but it’s worth it! Amazing view of Florence and amazing and beautiful construction!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aero N. 9 months ago on Google
    Florence is probably the favorite city of all the people I’ve traveled with globally. The food is exceptional, the sites are magnificent, all The people we encountered on multiple trips have been friendly, accommodating, and helpful. The Duomo and the related architecture is incredible. The marble is unique and has a great history. The surrounding area is also beautiful with wineries, winding roads through hills. There are many food and snack shops just off the plaza and while they were expensive in general they weren’t irrationally so. You can walk everywhere with many of the museums and points of interest just 10-15 min walk away. The Bell Tower is awesome and in case you didn’t know features prominently in the video game assassins creed so kids may recognize it even if they don’t care about the history. Check out some of the nearby Vespa or mini Fiat tours; they are great fun.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Robert C. 1 year ago on Google
    the bell tower of the Florence cathedral is a work of art, but you'll probably not spend too much time lingering around it since you cant go inside unless you want to pay for the hefty price of admission. I'd say if you really need to see the view of Florence rom above, climb the dome. Its taller and the view is the same.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Arielle 5 months ago on Google • 115 reviews
    Fun and quick day activity in Florence. Definitely buy tickets and be aware there are many, many stairs to the top. The stairwells are also very narrow. However, the views are well worth and and some of the best in Florence. Highly recommend!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Irwin M. 3 months ago on Google • 217 reviews New
    The bell tower is still open even when the main cathedral is holding mass on Sundays. The tower is worth it to get a panoramic view of Florence and to get an unobstructed view of Brunelleschis dome. On a clear day you can see the nearby mountains.

  • 5/5 Stephanie Robinson -. 2 years ago on Google
    It is quite a hike to the top! It has such a beautiful view of Naples and the Duomo. Climb it....worth every penny.... You need to buy your tickets on line if you go and do it last minute.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sandi L. 1 year ago on Google
    The best piece of advice I can give when visiting Florence, is to save climbing 463 steps in the Florence Duomo and 414 steps in Giotto's bell tower for the last day. Wear sensible shoes. And DO NOT go shopping before you climb. I passed more than a dozen women wearing fashionable high heals and carrying Louis Vuitton shopping bags ... they never made it to the top. Florence Duomo: The climb up to the top of the Florence Duomo involves 463 steps and is steep and narrow in some sections. The steps wind around the interior of the dome, and as you climb higher, you'll start to see breathtaking views of Florence through small windows that offer glimpses of the city below. Finally, you'll reach the top of the dome, where you can step out onto a walkway and take in the panoramic view of Florence. I tried to time my visit with sunset. It was well worth the steps. Giotto's bell tower: The climb up Giotto's bell tower involves 414 steps, and like the climb up the Florence Duomo, it can be quite steep and narrow in some sections. There are 3 false summits ... Finally, I reached the top and was rewarded with panoramic views of Florence's red-tiled rooftops - a stunning and memorable experience. I was sore for a week 😩 @sandilewis2022
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 S J. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing experience to see Florence from the 10th (?) floor of the tower. You will need to be well prepared to move up the stairs.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Liala O. 10 months ago on Google
    Great experience. I enjoyed every part of my journey, from the bottom to the top. The views at the top were worth the climb. Luckily I didn't have to wait to go in but other days can get busy with long queues so I recommend booking tickets in advance.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lynn H. 1 year ago on Google
    The Giotto's Bell Tower is part of a Brunelleschi Pass which costs €30. The pass can be purchased online. It contains access to the doom, cathedral, Baptistery of San Giovanni, Giotto's Bell Tower, Opera del Duomo Museum and the ancient crypt of Santa Reparata. You do not need to book in advance and the queue was not that long. You need to be fit to climb the bell tower as there are approximately 400 steps. It is well worth a climb to the top of the tower as you get to see across Florence and down onto the cathedral complex. The bell tower is open from 8:15 to 18:50pm
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ih-Chin C. 2 months ago on Google • 47 reviews New
    An outstanding bell tower right beside the Duomo cathedral. Ticket can be purchased at the office nearby (with blue flags). Visiting time is arranged by the ticket officer. A steep climb to the top is quite strenuous for most people, yet the stunning views of the city and the cathedral are very rewarding!

  • 5/5 Shanelle S. 11 months ago on Google
    This had a great view of the city and included the Basilica. Compared to the Duomo, there were slightly less steps to climb, but the foot traffic went both ways so it was a bit harder to maneuver. Note that there’s high metal bars at the top for protection which may affect photos. There’s a couple of lower points to stop and see the views from before continuing your ascent. You need a ticket to access this, and can use the Bruneschellini Pass (pre purchase beforehand online). Definitely avoid if you’re claustrophobic and/or are afraid of heights. Wear comfortable shoes as well.

  • 5/5 doaa a. 5 months ago on Google
    Amazing view of the city especially when the weather is nice, there was some wind but we managed to have a nice visit, the ticket included the visit of the cathedral, reaching the top was worth the steps with many short breaks on the way. Although we had the tickets beforehand, we waited a little because it is a group visit, and every 45 minutes, a group is allowed.

  • 5/5 cristiana b. 4 months ago on Google
    Very nice view over the dome from up in the tower. It is pretty hard to climb, especially if you already climbed the dome😂 but it is worth it because you have an amazing view

  • 5/5 Nikolay N. 4 months ago on Google • 24 reviews
    Perhaps the best view of Brunelleschi's dome and the cathedral. The steps are a little steeper than the ones to the dome and are quite tiring, but the view is worth it. I had the honor of being right under the bell at noon when it rang, which was both an amazing and terrifying experience 😄

  • 5/5 Russ G. 1 year ago on Google
    Walking 400 steps that have been around since the late 1300’s was literally a step back in history. Bring your climbing legs, you’ll need them. But the views are incredible!

  • 5/5 Dilara S. 1 year ago on Google
    The waiting line for the bell tower is a bit longer than the other attractions nearby so definitely book tickets online and go in early hours. Climbing to the top is a bit difficult as the stairs are very old and small and the walls are very narrow (also there’s only one way of movement so if there’s someone coming down from the upstairs while you’re trying to climb upstairs with many people on both sides it gets tricky) however the view at the top is definitely worth it!!

  • 5/5 Darian W. 10 months ago on Google
    It was a really cool view at the top. Do not bring a back pack and where good shoes. It is very steep with shallow steps at certain points. The last set of stairs would be challenging to most people. There is 4 “breaks” along the way.

  • 5/5 Nattawan S. 10 months ago on Google
    The Giotto’s Bell Tower is consisted of the 414 steps by stairs only no lift! And Narrow stairs. The view up there is so Stunning you will see the panoramic view! Was worth it to climb up

  • 5/5 David 1 year ago on Google
    It's a bit of a hike but it's easier to climb than the dome. Staircases are very narrow and it's two-way traffic. There's 3 floors where you can catch your breath. The view is amazing and you can visit the Campanile without adhering to time slots, and you can stay as long as you like.

  • 5/5 Dr. Jedidiah Fredrick A. 1 year ago on Google
    Definitely not for the weak hearted or elderly people.. I can tell you the climb is very thrilling but very narrow and dangerous… a ticket is needed for entry which can be purchased online the view upstairs s to die for.. Don’t miss it

  • 5/5 Piotr A. 1 year ago on Google
    If you are not afraid to take ~400 steps to climb to the top you have to go there. You can buy ticket including entrance to the bell tower for 20€ (Florence's cultural and historical places are quite expensive to see). The place is crowded during high season but it is not a big deal. Take some water! Panorama views from the top are breathtaking. It is the best place to see majestic grand cupola of Il Duomo Cathedral.

  • 5/5 Emily R. 1 year ago on Google
    Hands down the best place in the city to get a view of the Duomo. 414 steps, but each one was worth it. There are levels to rest about every ten stories or so, so you can do it in stages. Definitely don’t recommend to anyone who is claustrophobic, as the stairways are very narrow in parts with low ceilings and no windows for long stretches. It’s as beautiful from the outside as it is looking out over the city of Florence. Sad we couldn’t climb the Duomo as tickets were sold out, but this was a very close second and not crowded at all when we started climbing around 9:30 AM.

  • 5/5 Cloud W. 2 years ago on Google
    The bell tower is one of the best ways to capture views of Florence from above. It is 400 and some steps to the top with a few landings to stop at on your way up. We had to buy tickets for a specific time from the official ticket shop nearby.

  • 5/5 Jamie M. 2 years ago on Google
    Stunning cathedral! A must see in Florence and should never be missed! It’s like entering a new dimension! Gorgeous place ♥️

  • 5/5 Don B. 2 years ago on Google
    You get great view of Florence from the top of Giotto's Bell Tower. It is well worth climbing the narrow 398 steps to the top. I took this photo from the entrance before I made my journey up with camera gear and a tripod

  • 5/5 Roy M. 1 year ago on Google
    The building itself may be the least attractive of the three buildings in the duomo complex. But it is absolutely worth your time to climb to the top (ticket required) Even though the climb is not easy - especially if the stairs are crowded - the view from the top on a clear day is incredible


Call +39 055 230 2885 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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