Giotto’s bell tower is one of the masterpieces of Italian architecture.
It is also one of the most visited attractions of the city of Florence and offers one of the most beautiful views of the city, including a close-up view of Brunelleschi’s dome, provided that you climb its 414 steps to reach the panoramic terrace.
Every year there are many tourists who decide to visit the Tuscan city that has an artistic, historical and cultural heritage among the most important in Italy. The tower is the bell tower of the Duomo that bears the name of Santa Maria del Fiore and has a unique history and architectural features to be discovered, along with many curiosities that concern it. It dominates Piazza del Duomo and contributes to the incredible harmony of the square.
Giotto’s bell tower: place and history
Giotto’s bell tower is the bell tower of the church of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence in Piazza Duomo, in the city centre. The tower is part of the Duomo complex. It was built by the will of the Signoria of Florence who entrusted the work to Giotto who in the meantime was already taking care of the Duomo.
The construction of the bell tower began in 1334 when Giotto was the master builder of the Duomo, at that time he decided to stop the work in the church to devote himself completely to the construction of the bell tower. Giotto died in 1337 only three years after the beginning of the works that were carried out by Andrea Pisano. The first two floors of the tower were completed following Giotto’s original design.
Later, construction ended only in 1359 after a forced pause due to the plague that killed almost a third of the Florentines. The completion of the works took place by Francesco Talenti who also created the large panoramic terrace from which you can admire a wonderful view of the capital city of Tuscany. As for the wonderful decorations that adorn the external parts, the realization was the work of Alberto Arnoldi
Giotto’s bell tower: main features
Giotto’s bell tower in Florence is one of the most striking examples of Florentine Gothic architecture of the thirteenth century. Its height is 85 meters and is only 6 meters lower than Brunelleschi’s Dome. The base is square and measures 15 meters. The tower is located next to the Duomo with which it shares the white, red and green marble coverings. the structure of the bell tower is divided horizontally by frames, which delimit the five overlapping floors.
One of the most fascinating features of the tower is undoubtedly the sculptural decoration of the exterior. This is very elaborate and consists of hexagonal panels, lozenges, reliefs and life-size statues. The first two represent the concept of universal ordering and Redemption.
The reliefs depict the Creation of man and his activities. But not only they narrate also the influence of the planets on the life of man, his virtues, the liberal arts and the sacraments. The first order of bas-reliefs was made by Andrea Pisano following the project designed by Giotto. In this case the creation of man and human activities is depicted.
In the second level of the bas-reliefs are represented the planets, the cardinal virtues, the arts and the seven sacraments. In addition, it is embellished with 16 life-size statues made by some of the most important Florentine artists of the time. These are placed inside the niches.
Giotto’s bell tower in Florence is one of the most striking examples of Florentine Gothic architecture of the thirteenth century. Its height is 85 meters and is only 6 meters lower than Brunelleschi’s Dome. The base is square and measures 15 meters. The tower is located next to the Duomo with which it shares the white, red and green marble coverings.
The structure of the bell tower is divided horizontally by frames, which delimit the five overlapping floors. One of the most fascinating features of the tower is undoubtedly the sculptural decoration of the exterior. This is very elaborate and consists of hexagonal panels, lozenges, reliefs and life-size statues.
The first two represent the concept of universal ordering and Redemption. The reliefs depict the Creation of man and his activities. But not only they narrate also the influence of the planets on the life of man, his virtues, the liberal arts and the sacraments. The first order of bas-reliefs was made by Andrea Pisano following the project designed by Giotto.
In this case the creation of man and human activities is depicted. In the second level of the bas-reliefs are represented the planets, the cardinal virtues, the arts and the seven sacraments. In addition, it is embellished with 16 life-size statues made by some of the most important Florentine artists of the time. These are placed inside the niches.
Curiosity about Giotto’s bell tower
Giotto’s bell tower in Florence has many curiosities that concern him as the fact that it was made by different artists. In addition, since the construction began, many problems came to light, such as the evident instability of the structure.
duomofirenze
The 16 life-size statues have now been replaced by copies. The originals can be admired inside the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo. Giotto’s bell tower symbolizes the power of the Signoria of Florence. In that period a lot of funds were spent to realize works of art remained in the history also thanks to the economic and demographic increase of the Tuscan city.
Another curious aspect concerns the fact that even today to reach the top it is necessary to walk the 414 steps present. Another interesting curiosity is that concerning the bells of the tower. Originally there were 12 but today the 5 oldest have been abandoned and exposed inside the museum. The largest bell is called Apostolic and was made in 1401. This is located on the east side.
The 4 smaller bells are at the height of the arches’ shutters. The two smaller ones were made in 1513 and 1514. Today there are seven bells that mark time and are placed inside the bell cell built in 1957.
If you are just passing through Florence, dedicate a few hours to Tuscan cuisine.
The fettunta, a type of black bread, toasted and served with chicken liver pate is a great appetizer to follow a caciucco alla livornese, or a pappa al pomodro and if you are ready to fresco the queen of meat a Florentine steak, that with a glass of Chianti will make you fall in love with Florence.
Copertina: nove.firenze