Campanile

Lonely Planet review

Soaring gracefully by the side of the Duomo is the 84.7m-high Campanile (Bell Tower). You can admire its beauty from the outside and, if you're feeling fit, head inside and climb its 414 steps for some wonderful views of the Duomo and central Florence. Having designed the bell tower, Giotto began work on it in 1334. His death only three years later cut his contribution cruelly short, and it was left to Andrea Pisano and Francesco Talenti to continue the work.

The first tier of bas-reliefs around the base, carved by Pisano but possibly designed by Giotto, depicts the Attività Umane (Creation of Man and the Arts and Industries). Those on the second tier depict the planets, cardinal virtues, the arts and the seven sacraments. Many of these and the sculptures of the prophets and sibyls (by Donatello and others) in the niches of the upper storeys are actually copies - the originals are in the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo. People with heart conditions or who are otherwise unfit should not undertake the climb upstairs. There is no lift should you get into difficulties.