Campanile di Giotto

"414 Steps Up Despite the fact that it was the last week of October, the line to climb to the top of the Duomo dome was wrapped around the building. The line to climb Giotto's bell tower, right next door, was nonexistent. Lucky for us, we had our walking shoes on and were ready to climb the bell tower's 414 narrow, slippery, dusty stairs. At each observation deck, we stopped to catch our breath and to take in the view. As is often the case in life, the higher and harder we climbed, the better the view got. Midway up the tower, I peered out the hole in the side serving as a window, and saw the view pictured. The red roofs of Florence stretched out before us, the Duomo towered to the left. Life was good."

"The Bell Tower is emblematic of the city of Florence. Looming over the Duomo at nearly 280 feet, the free-standing tower is considered the most eloquent example of 14th-century Gothic architecture in the city, one that happens to be visible from every vantage point. The views from the top are truly breathtaking; after 414 steps, you will be sweating and breathing deeply, but you'll have deemed the journey worth it." - Erica Firpo

"Tell me: What’s this place all about? The Bell Tower is emblematic of the city of Florence. Looming over the Duomo at nearly 280 feet, the free-standing tower is considered the most eloquent example of 14th-century Gothic architecture in the city, one that happens to be visible from every vantage point. Tickets are required for entry. Any famous names behind it? Giotto designed the tower, but its beautiful, colorful panels were completed by a who's-who of Renaissance artists. Who comes here? This is a true landmark, but it does require a lot of physical exertion to get up. So it draws the committed and the more physically fit. Did it meet expectations? The views from the top are truly breathtaking; after 414 steps, you will be sweating and breathing deeply, but you'll have deemed the journey worth it." - Erica Firpo