GIOTTO'S CAMPANILE
In the Piazza del Duomo, in the centre of Florence, is the gorgeous Giotto's Campanile, or bell tower. It stands right next to the equally gorgeous Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. The bell tower is clad in white, green and red marble, and it seems to sparkle in the Italian sunshine. To get to the top of the bell tower, you will need to be able to climb up 414 steps (and back down again, obviously) because there is no lift. The stairs to the top are tight and narrow, so if you suffer from claustrophobia you are best to give it a miss. However, if you and your children are able to climb the tower, it is definitely worth the effort. There is a small fee for entry which you can pay at the door. From the top of the tower you get the most incredible views out over Florence and the surrounding countryside, with the rolling Tuscan hills beyond. You can see for many miles in every direction, and you can admire the beautiful domes and rooftops of the city and plan where you might want to visit next. The bells are rung at various times each day, so if you time your visit right, you will be able to hear them. FIND OUT MORE |