Florence: Dumo or Campanile de Giotto

We wanted to climb the Duomo when we were in Florence but the line was long and we didn't have the patience to wait. Around the corner we found that Campanile de Giotto had no line and we were able to go right up. That sold us. The view was absolutely incredible - I can't imagine it is that much better from the duomo as it is only a few steps higher than the tower. In fact you can wave across at each other! However on our next trip to Florence I would still like to climb the duomo - so my advice would be to wait and see which is the better option when you are there.

Only you can decide the best choice. If you climb the duomo dome, you get to see how the dome was constructed from the inside; you can see the interior of the church from up high; and you get a nice view of Florence from the platform outside. If you are claustrophobic, or have a fear of heights, maybe this isn't the best option. On the other hand, if you climb the bell tower, there is not much to see on the inside, but there are several landings at different stages of the climb, with windows; you can rest more often on the way up; and at the top, you not only get a view of Florence, but you get to see the duomo dome as well.

I had the same experience as Terry... the line for the Duomo was too long and that day, I had a booking at a museum. So I just climbed the Giotto. The view of the city was great, and looking across at the Duomo, it wasn't too much higher.

Next time I go to Florence, I will climb the Duomo just for completion, and also to get a closer look at the inside of the dome. I guess if you have time to wait, I would go for the Duomo. The morning lineup seems worse, so go in the afternoon.

One person's opinion, of course, but The Duomo hands down!!! On your way up use your imagination as you look at the tools they had to "make" in order to build it. A dome within a dome, who would have thought it possible in the 14th and 15th centuries. An unexpected pleasure..... as if the view was not enough..... was during the climb down you are on a walkway where you can actually reach out over the glass and touch the painting on the inside, if you're 6' tall. Not that I would ever do that, you understand.

Other than staring in total awe at David for 30 minutes while trying to contemplate that beautful sculpture being created with a hammer and chisel, the climb to the top of The Duomo was the highlight of my trip to Florence. My wife and her mother were drinking wine in the piazza below while I had this unforgettable experience. When they saw the pictures I took they were so sorry they didn't go with me. Good Luck.

I liked the Campanile, for the reason that we took amazing pictures of Florence, but were able to get the Duomo in the picture too!