Giotto's Bell Tower

The bell tower of Florence Cathedral, known as Giotto’s Campanile, was designed by the great 14th-century master.

84.7 metres tall and approximately 15 metres in breadth, it is the most eloquent example of the architecture of the period in Florence, combining a strong vertical thrust with the principle of sound solidity;  the terrace at the top offers a fabulous view of the city and of Brunelleschi’s Cupola.

By the time Giotto died in 1337 he had completed only the first part of his bell tower. Andrea Pisano carried Giotto's design up to the first two levels, while artists such as Alberto Arnoldi adorned the outside with carved lozenges.

Work was broken off for two years, between 1348 and 1350, but the bell tower was completed in 1359, after the terrible years of the Black Death, by Francesco Talenti.