Hi All,
I am trying to decide between climb to Duomo vs climb to the bell tower. Which one has better views?
bell tower has fewer steps and fewer crows, so thats a plus. I would not mind climbing extra steps if views are better from Duomo.
Please let mr know what you think.
thank you,
mark
Posted by
Chicago
7913 posts
You probably mean those in Florence this thread has some info
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/day-tours/duomo-vs-giotto-s-bell-tower
Posted by
South Dakota, USA
308 posts
The advantage of climbing the bell tower is that you can see the Duomo from the top.
Posted by
Truro, NS, Canada
3941 posts
We didn't climb the Duomo (and I'm assuming you mean Florence) but did the bell tower - the bell tower has levels as well, so if you need to pause and catch your breathe, you can stop at each level - then you aren't holding up the line.
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
As Rita says, by climbing the campanile you get A VIEW OF THE DOME. it is also less crowded and less claustrophobic.
Posted by
Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico
1760 posts
I climbed the Duomo and not the bell tower. Obviously I can't compare the two views, but I found the climb inside the ceiling of the Duomo to be fascinating. Brunelleschi's dome was an architectural marvel, and he had to overcome numerous technical challenges to make it work. I found it interesting to see up close.
I arrived early in the morning and I was like the 4th person in line, so it wasn't at all claustrophobic for me nor did I get stuck behind a lot of people who made it a slow and long slog. If you decide to do it, I recommend getting there about 15-30 minutes before it opens.
The view from the top was very satisfying. It's true you can't see the dome itself when you get to the top, but the dome is so dominant in the skyline from other places, I didn't feel compelled to climb the campanile as well.
Here's one of my pics from the top of the dome: https://photos.app.goo.gl/i6CzVwz03oNXEjyn2
Posted by
Vignola, MO, IT
658 posts
Our first time several years ago we climbed to the Dome. This year we did both (a day apart.... I had just run the Rome marathon). Both are great but we enjoyed the Duomo climb more and would recommend it. Great views and seeing the complexity of the design and the beautiful painting make it worthwhile.
Posted by
Vancouver, BC
17 posts
My wife and I were wrestling with this same question about a year ago. We decided to do both, on consecutive days, and it wasn't nearly as difficult as I thought it might be (we're in our late 40s).
Unless time is an issue, I'd consider doing both. Your ticket includes both of them.
But if that's not possible, I'd say the campanile -- better views of the Duomo.
Posted by
OP
23 posts
Thank you for everyone !!
I did both - just to make sure. My verdict - bell tower!