Everything You Need to Know About Climbing Giotto’s Bell Tower in Florence

— A practical, detailed guide for your visit —

If you’re planning a trip to Florence and want an extraordinary view that’ll stay in your memory forever, Giotto’s Bell Tower should be high on your list.

Most people admire it from the outside, take a few photos, and move on. But the real magic? That happens when you climb it.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything—how to get tickets, what you’ll see on the way up, how tough the climb really is, and what to bring (or leave behind).

I’ll also explain why, in some ways, this tower offers an even better experience than the famous Dome itself.

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What exactly is Giotto’s Bell Tower?

Let’s start with the basics. Giotto’s bell tower. It’s a fourteenth century architectural jewel, part of the Florence Cathedral complex, and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.

It’s called Giotto’s Campanile (campanile just means bell tower in Italian) because it was designed by the famous artist Giotto di Bondone, one of the most influential artists of his time.

He began work on the tower in 1334, but died a few years later. Others—like Andrea Pisano and Francesco Talenti—took over and finished the job.

The tower is about 85 meters high (that’s around 280 feet), and its surface is covered in colored marble, white marble from Carrara, green marbles from Prato, and pink marble from Siena, matching the nearby Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Baptistery.

It’s incredibly detailed up close, with carved reliefs, statues, and decorative panels on the lower levels.

But while the outside is spectacular, what people don’t realize is that you can go inside and climb all the way to the top—no elevator, just you and the stairs.

Climbing the Bell Tower: What to Expect, Step by Step

There are 414 steps to the top. No lift, no shortcuts. But don’t worry—you don’t have to be an athlete. The climb is totally doable for anyone with moderate fitness and a bit of patience.

Here’s what the experience feels like in real terms:

There are several intermediate terraces—not just one. At each one, you can step out and enjoy a different view of Florence. It’s like getting little rewards as you climb. You’ll start to see the red-tiled rooftops, the Arno River, and even the Tuscan hills beyond the city.

The very top terrace gives you a full 360-degree panorama of Florence. And here’s the best part: you’re looking right at the Dome, just a few meters away, at eye level.

If you climb the Dome instead, you can’t see it—you’re standing on it. But from the Bell Tower, you see the whole Cathedral complex from above, in perfect balance with the city below. It’s breathtaking.

Giotto’s Bell Tower Tickets 2025: What to Know Before You Book

If you want to climb Giotto’s Bell Tower, you need to book a timed entry ticket days in advance . This isn’t something you can just decide to do on the spot—especially not in high season. The entry ticket works as part of a cumulative ticket that covers multiple monuments in Piazza del Duomo, and you’ll choose a specific time slot at the moment of purchase.

Here are the ticket types you’ll see:

1. Giotto Pass – €15
   This includes:
   – Giotto’s Bell Tower (with timed entry)
   – The Baptistery
   – The Opera del Duomo Museum
   – Santa Reparata (the underground ruins)
   It’s valid for 3 consecutive days starting from your selected date. If you’re focused on the Bell Tower and nearby highlights, this is the best value.
2. Brunelleschi Pass – €30
   This is the most complete cumulative ticket. It includes everything in the Giotto Pass, plus Brunelleschi’s Dome (which also requires a timed entry). If you want to climb both towers and see everything, go for this.
3. Ghiberti Pass – €10
   Skip this one if your goal is the Bell Tower—it doesn’t include access.

You can book tickets online from the official site: tickets.duomo.firenze.it. Do it early, especially during the warmer months or on weekends. Time slots go fast.

One last warning: once you book your ticket, there are no refunds, and you can’t modify your time slot. So double-check your plans before locking it in.

When’s the Best Time to Climb?

The Bell Tower is open every day from 8:15 AM to 6:45 PM, with the last entry at 6:00 PM.

Here’s what to consider when choosing your time:

• Early morning (8:15–10:00 AM): Great light, fewer people, and cooler temperatures in summer.
• Late afternoon (after 5:00 PM): Soft golden light, long shadows over the rooftops. Amazing for photos.
• Avoid mid-day if it’s hot—you’re climbing inside a stone tower with no AC.

One pro tip: if you’re planning to visit both the Bell Tower and the Dome, do the Bell Tower first. The Dome climb is more intense and more crowded, and you’ll appreciate the perspective more once you’ve seen the Dome from across the way.

What to Wear and What to Bring

Here’s the practical stuff that will make your climb easier:

• Wear comfortable shoes. These are old stone stairs, slightly uneven in places.
• Don’t bring a big bag or backpack—you won’t be allowed in with one. There’s a free cloakroom at Piazza del Duomo 38/r, right near the Museum entrance.
• Dress modestly if you plan to also visit the Cathedral or Baptistery—no sleeveless shirts or short shorts.
• Water: Bring a small bottle, especially in warm weather. There’s no drinking water up there.
• Is the Climb Safe? What If You’re Not Super Fit?

Let’s talk honestly: 414 steps can sound like a lot. And yes, the climb is physically demanding, especially in the summer. But it’s not a race, and you’re not climbing all 414 steps in one go.

There are multiple landings where you can pause, sit on the ledge, take a few deep breaths, and enjoy the view. You’ll be surrounded by stone, history, and fresh Tuscan air. There’s no pressure—people climb at different speeds, and there’s space to pass others or let them go ahead.

That said, this experience isn’t recommended for person with difficulties.

• People with heart problems
• people with breath conditions
• Those with claustrophobia (some staircases are narrow and enclosed)
• Pregnant women
• Anyone with mobility issues (there are no elevators or alternative ways up)

If you’re unsure, ask yourself: can I walk up and down 20–25 floors, stopping every few? If yes, you’ll be fine.

And if climbing just isn’t your thing, no worries. You can still admire the tower from below and visit the Opera del Duomo Museum, where you’ll learn all about its art, construction, and history.

Photography: Can You Take Photos at the Top?

Yes—and you absolutely should.

The top terrace is open-air with a sturdy protective railing. From here, you can shoot panoramic photos of:

• The Dome, up close and in full glory
• The rooftops of Florence
• The hills of Fiesole and beyond
• The elegant Baptistery below, shaped like a Roman temple

No tripods or drones are allowed, and be careful leaning out to get that perfect shot. There’s a mesh railing, but still—Florence is beautiful, but not worth dropping your phone over.

Best times for photos?

• Morning light: Crisp and clear, fewer shadows.
• Late afternoon: Warm glow, soft light—especially beautiful in spring and fall.

What Happens After the Climb Giotto’s Bell Tower?

Once you come down (and your legs stop trembling a little), take a few moments to walk around the Piazza. Grab a coffee, sit on the stone benches, or head into the Cathedral or Museum, depending on your pass.

A few people mistakenly think the Bell Tower is the Dome—so having climbed both, you’re officially ahead of the curve. And many visitors agree: the Bell Tower climb is actually the more peaceful, better photo opportunity. Less claustrophobic, less crowded, and you get to see the Dome instead of standing on it.

Can You Do a Guided Tour of Giotto’s Bell Tower?

While most people climb the Bell Tower on their own, there are guided tours of the Duomo complex offered by the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore.

They focus more on:

• The Cathedral interior
• The Dome frescoes by Vasari and Zuccari
• The Baptistery mosaics
• The history of the architecture and the artists involved

The Bell Tower climb isn’t usually included in those guided tours, but if you’re interested in the full story of Florence’s religious heart, it’s worth considering a combo visit with a licensed guide. You can find official tours on the same site where you buy your tickets.