Brunelleschi’s Dome vs Giotto’s Bell Tower: Which Should You Climb?

Choose Brunelleschi’s Dome if you want the most distinctive Duomo experience: climbing through the structure of the famous dome, seeing its frescoes up close and reaching one of Florence's most iconic viewpoints. Choose Giotto’s Bell Tower if your priority is panoramic photographs with Brunelleschi’s Dome itself dominating the Florence skyline.

Both are physically demanding.

Brunelleschi's Dome requires 463 steps, while Giotto's Bell Tower has 414 steps. Neither has an elevator, and the official recommended visit time for each is approximately 45 minutes.

But despite standing beside each other, the two climbs offer surprisingly different experiences.

Here's how to choose.

Brunelleschi’s Dome vs Giotto’s Bell Tower at a Glance

The Dome has only 49 more steps, so don't choose the Bell Tower simply because you assume it is dramatically easier.

What Is the Brunelleschi’s Dome Climb Like?

Brunelleschi's Dome offers the more unusual experience of the two.

Rather than simply climbing a tower, you ascend through the actual structure of the Cathedral's enormous dome.

The Dome consists of two shells, and the staircase leading toward the lantern runs through the space between them. The structure was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi and constructed between 1420 and 1436.

As you climb, the route becomes narrower and steeper in places.

You also get the opportunity to see the enormous interior decoration of the Dome from much closer than you can from the Cathedral floor.

Then, after completing the 463 steps, you emerge high above Florence.

It's not just a viewpoint.

The architecture you're climbing through is part of the attraction.

If you're still unsure whether the experience is right for you, read Is Brunelleschi’s Dome Climb Worth It?

What Is the Giotto’s Bell Tower Climb Like?

Giotto's Bell Tower is a more traditional tower climb—but an exceptional one.

The tower rises approximately 84.7 metres above ground, and reaching its summit requires climbing 414 steps.

The route passes through several levels and panoramic loggias before reaching the upper terrace.

That gives the climb a different rhythm from the Dome.

Instead of moving through the curved structure of a cupola, you're ascending through a tall Gothic bell tower with opportunities to experience changing views as you climb.

And the biggest advantage becomes obvious as you get higher:

Brunelleschi’s Dome is directly in front of you.

For many visitors, that is the defining reason to choose Giotto's Bell Tower.

Which Has the Better View?

For the best view of Florence: it's close.

For the best view of the Duomo: Giotto's Bell Tower wins.

From Brunelleschi's Dome, you get an exceptional elevated panorama across Florence and toward the surrounding Tuscan landscape.

But there's an obvious limitation:

You can't properly see the Dome because you're standing on it.

From Giotto's Bell Tower, the Dome becomes the star of the view.

You can look across at its enormous terracotta structure with Florence spreading behind and around it.

That makes the Bell Tower particularly attractive for photographers.

Choose the Dome for the experience.

Choose the Bell Tower for the classic Dome view.

That's probably the single most useful distinction between the two climbs.

Which Is Better for Photography?

Giotto’s Bell Tower.

If your priority is getting photographs of Florence with Brunelleschi's Dome in the composition, I'd choose the Bell Tower.

Its elevated position beside the Cathedral gives you a close perspective of the Dome while still showing the city beyond it.

The Dome climb offers excellent panoramic photographs too.

But naturally, the city's most recognisable dome won't appear in your skyline photographs when you're standing on top of it.

If photography is your main reason for climbing, the Bell Tower has the advantage.

Which Climb Is Harder?

Brunelleschi’s Dome is slightly more demanding overall.

The raw numbers are:

Brunelleschi’s Dome: 463 steps

Giotto’s Bell Tower: 414 steps

That's a difference of only 49 steps.

However, the Dome climb can feel more challenging because some sections pass through narrow, curved and enclosed spaces between the Dome's shells.

Giotto's Bell Tower also involves a substantial staircase, but its intermediate levels can make the ascent feel different.

Neither should be considered an easy sightseeing experience.

Which Is Better if You Are Claustrophobic?

Giotto’s Bell Tower may be the better choice, but neither climb is ideal for severe claustrophobia.

The Dome has particularly enclosed sections because you're moving between its inner and outer structures.

That can feel uncomfortable if you dislike narrow spaces.

The Bell Tower has its own stairways and enclosed sections, and the official visitor guidance warns that both climbs are not recommended for visitors suffering from claustrophobia or vertigo.

If either condition is significant for you, consider enjoying the Duomo complex without doing either climb.

Which Is Better for Architecture Lovers?

Brunelleschi’s Dome.

This is where the Dome clearly wins.

Brunelleschi's structure was revolutionary.

The Dome is formed from an inner and outer shell connected by a system of ribs, and the visitor staircase occupies the cavity between the two structures.

You're therefore experiencing the building from somewhere ordinary Cathedral visitors never do.

Giotto's Bell Tower is itself an extraordinary example of Italian Gothic architecture, with its white, red and green marble exterior and sculptural decoration. Construction began under Giotto in 1334 and was ultimately completed by Francesco Talenti in 1359.

But if Renaissance engineering is what interests you most, choose Brunelleschi's Dome.

Which Is Better for First-Time Visitors?

I'd choose Brunelleschi’s Dome.

For a first trip to Florence, the Dome provides the more distinctive experience.

You get:

the climb through Brunelleschi's architecture

close-up perspectives inside the Dome

panoramic views

and

the experience of standing above Florence Cathedral itself.

Giotto's Bell Tower is excellent, but if you only have the time or energy for one climb, I'd prioritise the Dome.

The exception is visitors whose main goal is photography.

For them, I'd choose the Bell Tower.

Can You Climb Both?

Yes.

And if you're comfortable with stairs, climbing both gives you the most complete experience.

The official Brunelleschi Pass currently includes access to:

• Brunelleschi's Dome

• Giotto's Bell Tower

• Baptistery

• Opera del Duomo Museum

• Santa Reparata

The pass is valid for three calendar days, beginning on the date selected for the Dome visit.

That means you don't need to climb both back-to-back.

In fact, I wouldn't recommend doing that unless you're particularly enthusiastic about staircases.

A better approach is to spread the experiences across the pass validity period.

Compare Florence Duomo & Dome Ticket Options

Do You Need a Timed Reservation?

There is an important difference here.

Brunelleschi’s Dome

A specific date and time must be selected for the Dome, and that reservation must be respected.

Giotto’s Bell Tower

The rules depend on the pass.

The current Giotto Pass uses a selected Bell Tower time slot, while Brunelleschi Pass holders can currently access the Bell Tower during their three-day pass validity without separately booking a Bell Tower time slot.

Always check the conditions attached to the exact ticket or tour you purchase.

Which Pass Do You Need?

The official Duomo complex currently offers three principal passes:

Brunelleschi Pass

Giotto Pass

Ghiberti Pass

If you want to climb the Dome, the relevant standard option is the Brunelleschi Pass.

If you want to climb the Bell Tower but not the Dome, the Giotto Pass provides access to the Bell Tower plus the Baptistery, Museum and Santa Reparata.

There is currently no standard official ticket for visiting only Brunelleschi's Dome; the official options are the Brunelleschi Pass or an eligible guided Dome experience.

Can You Do Both Climbs on the Same Day?

Yes, but you don't need to.

Together, you're looking at:

877 steps.

That's before accounting for walking around Florence and exploring the rest of the Duomo complex.

Because the Brunelleschi Pass is valid across three calendar days, most visitors have little reason to force both climbs into the same morning or afternoon.

If your itinerary allows, I'd separate them.

For example:

Day 1: Brunelleschi's Dome + Cathedral area

Day 2: Giotto's Bell Tower + Museum/Baptistery

This makes both experiences more enjoyable.

What Should You Know Before Either Climb?

Both experiences require some preparation.

There is no elevator

You'll climb every step yourself.

Leave larger bags behind

Medium and large bags and backpacks must be deposited at the official luggage storage at Piazza Duomo 38/r before entering these monuments.

Wear suitable shoes

Both involve hundreds of historic steps.

Don't underestimate the physical effort

The official guidance advises against both climbs for people with certain cardiovascular or respiratory conditions, vertigo or claustrophobia, and for pregnant visitors.

Minors need an adult

Visitors under 18 cannot undertake the climbs without an accompanying adult.

Brunelleschi’s Dome or Giotto’s Bell Tower: Which Should You Choose?

Here's the simplest decision:

Choose Brunelleschi’s Dome if:

You want the most iconic overall Duomo experience, are fascinated by Brunelleschi's architecture, want to experience the Dome from inside its structure, and don't mind narrow passages.

Choose Giotto’s Bell Tower if:

You want the best photographs of Brunelleschi's Dome, prefer the Bell Tower's multiple viewpoints, or have already climbed the Dome before.

Climb both if:

You enjoy viewpoints, have enough time and are comfortable tackling a combined 877 steps.

For most first-time visitors to Florence, my first choice would be:

Brunelleschi’s Dome.

For photographers specifically:

Giotto’s Bell Tower.

And if your schedule allows, doing both gives you two completely different perspectives of Florence's most famous architectural complex.

Plan Your Florence Duomo Visit

Whichever climb you choose, don't treat the Dome and Bell Tower as interchangeable experiences.

Brunelleschi's Dome is about the architecture, the climb through the Dome and the panorama from the Cathedral.

Giotto's Bell Tower is about the tower itself and the spectacular view back toward Brunelleschi's Dome.

Choose according to the experience you value most.

Compare Florence Duomo tickets, Brunelleschi’s Dome climb options and guided tours for your visit.