Campanile in Florence, Italy

You can't buy tickets ahead of time but the Campanile is a less "popular" climb than the dome so lines are shorter. It is open from 8:30 am - 7:30 pm and costs 6 euro - the view from the campanile is stupendous, particularly as you view Brunelleschi's dome from this short distance you can see how enormous it is. Definitely recommend the climb!

I don't believe so. I've done it twice and neither time was there a line or even very many people. Though climbing the dome is nice, I like the views here better.

Per the website for the Duomo, "It is not possible to book visits to the monuments." I'm assuming that means one cannot pre-purchase entry. Here's a link to the website:http://www.operaduomo.firenze.it/english/opera/orari.asp?

When will you be in Florence? It all depends on the time of year and day of week. The Duomo may be more popular, but the Campanile is pretty small and there can be a wait there too. Usually this time of year, it isn't too bad, outside of holidays and weekends.

The dome is higher than the Campanile so if you like heights and want to see the whole city (and beyond to Tuscany itself), I recommend climbing the Duomo.

On a related topic...does anyone recall if the tower bells in the Florence Campanile ring while it is open for climbing? I have some ear problems so would probably elect not to climb it if it meant very close proximity to the bells when they rang. Thanks!

Marilyn, I don't believe you can pre-purchase ticket for the climb up the Campanile. When I visited in mid-May there was only a short line for entry and yes, it was 6 Euro. The climb is somewhat strenuous if you are not used to this kind of activity. With that said, I am 56 in fairly good health and made it to the top with just a little difficulty breathing. There are landings every now and then to take a break. When you are at the very top looking out over all of Florence and the Tuscan hills beyond, the view is just stupendous. The bells do ring - it seems every 15 minutes. I found it thrilling but David, if you have a sensitivity, I would try to time the climb (if that is possible). I had a grand time up there at the top and it was one of the highlights of my visit to Florence. Ciao!

If possible, time your visit so that you're at the top of the campanile at noon. All of the churches in Florence ring their bells at noon, and to hear the chorus of bells from up there is amazing. The visual effect of seeing the bells swinging in many of the churches adds to the experience. Avoid climbing past the bells at the quarter hour, as they ring pretty loud you're that close.

Seriously, bring earplugs, the $5 ones from Walgreens or something, if you're planning on being near church or campanile bellw when they ring. The decibels can do permanent damage to your hearing.

Ear plugs are a good suggestion, they may come in handy a few nights during your stay also. I always take mine and don't always use them but on a few occasions they have been real nice to have along.