Giotto's Bell Tower
Description
Giotto's bell tower stands proudly beside the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. It is 27,789 feet high and about 50 feet wide and it is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful bell towers in Italy.
The bell tower takes its name from Giotto, who began its construction in 1334, after succeeding Arnolfo di Cambio who had laid the foundations in 1298. Like the other monuments in Duomo square it is covered with red, white and green marble slabs to create a dense fabric of geometries and symbols.
At the base you can admire splendid decorations that recount the evolution of man from his creation up to his maximum realization. The cycle begins with the birth of man represented with the Creation of Adam and Eve, followed by the discoveries of the various arts that have marked mankind. The tiles were made by Andrea Pisano, designed by Giotto and subsequently completed by Luca Della Robbia. Above the two levels of decorations there are sixteen niches that house statues depicting Kings, Sibyls, Patriarchs and Prophets made by great masters of the fifteenth century such as Nanni di Banco and Donatello.
The majestic bell tower was completed in 1359 by Francesco Talenti, who succeeded Andrea Pisano and finally completed the top three floors with windows. Going up 414 steps you can reach the large panoramic terrace, which acts as a roof for Giotto's bell tower.
Where is it?
Piazza del Duomo, 50122, Firenze FI