Giotto's Campanile, Bell tower in Piazza del Duomo, Florence, Italy
Giotto's Campanile is a freestanding bell tower of white, green, and pink marble on Piazza del Duomo in Florence, Italy. The facade shows Gothic arches, pointed windows, and geometric patterns rising through multiple stories, with sculptures in niches and relief panels at the base.
Construction began in 1334 under Giotto di Bondone's direction and continued after his death in 1337 with Andrea Pisano and later Francesco Talenti. Completion came in 1359 with a design that departed from the original plan and received a more stable upper finish.
The name honors Giotto di Bondone, though he worked on it for only three years. The bells still ring for religious festivals and special occasions, while visitors can study the relief panels showing crafts and biblical scenes on the lower floors.
The climb of 414 steps leads to an open observation platform offering views of the cathedral dome and Florence's rooftops. The stairs are narrow and steep, so the ascent is not suitable for people with limited mobility.
The hexagonal relief panels on the lower level depict the history of mankind from Genesis, and the number seven on each side was chosen to symbolize human perfectibility. The Genesis panels are attributed to Andrea Pisano, with "Jubal" by Nino Pisano and "Tubalcain" to an assistant of Andrea. The five panels on the north side were added from 1437 by Luca della Robbia.
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