Giotto's Campanile

Welcome to the Piazza del Duomo, the beating heart of Florence. We stand before one of the most elegant structures in the history of architecture: Giotto's Campanile. …

Before we begin our climb, we must examine the base of the tower, known as the 'Zoccolo'. Here, at eye level, Giotto and Andrea Pisano created a visual encyclopedia of human achievement. …

As we look up at the full height of the tower, it is fascinating to consider that the building we see today is not exactly what Giotto had planned. His original design, preserved in a drawing in Siena, featured a massive…

Now, we begin the ascent. Step through the narrow doorway and feel the immediate change in atmosphere. …

As we reach the level of the niches, we must pause to consider the extraordinary sculptures that once lived here. Among the most famous is the 'Zuccone,' or 'Pumpkinhead,' a statue of the prophet Habakkuk by Donatello, carved in…

We have reached the level of the bells. Take a moment to admire these massive bronze instruments. …

Finally, we step out onto the top terrace. At nearly eighty-five meters above the ground, the view is, quite simply, breathtaking. …

As we prepare to descend, take one last look at the horizon. We have traveled from the first carvings of the 'Mechanical Arts' at the base to the windy heights of the bell chamber. …