Florence Cathedral begins bell tower restoration on 1 October

Florence Cathedral in Florence has begun a five-year Giotto’s Bell Tower restoration, with visitors still able to climb the tower during the works.

Florence Cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore) entered a new restoration phase on 1 October 2026, after scaffolding was completed around Giotto’s Bell Tower in Florence, Italy. The five-year project covers the tower’s interior and exterior while keeping visitor access in place.

Florence Cathedral’s bell tower restoration starts above the city

The 86-metre scaffolding took just over four months to install and now supports the first complete restoration of Giotto’s Bell Tower. Work will move from the highest sections towards ground level, gradually exposing areas as they are restored.

The Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore is funding the project, which is expected to cost more than 7 million euros. The intervention addresses deterioration affecting the external marble surfaces, especially projecting elements around the upper terrace and decorative features. Scaffolding completed on 1 October marked the visible start of the main phase.

Giotto’s Bell Tower connects the project to Florence Cathedral

The tower stands beside the cathedral in Piazza del Duomo. Construction began in 1334 under Giotto, continued under Andrea Pisano after his death and was completed by Francesco Talenti in 1359.

The current work differs from earlier interventions documented since 1939 because it addresses the entire tower, inside and outside. Its white, green and red marble cladding links the restoration directly to the architectural setting of Florence Cathedral, rather than treating the scaffolding as a separate city-centre project.

The Opera also adjusted installation work after monitoring the tower’s 149 masonry cavities found a nesting peregrine falcon. Working with LIPU and other specialists, the team protected the nest, and three chicks later left it safely.

Access continues while scaffolding changes the Duomo skyline

Giotto’s Bell Tower remains open during the restoration, although the work may partly restrict views from the panoramic terrace. Visitors can still climb the 414 steps, making the continuing access a practical part of the project’s design. Visitor access during restoration remains part of the published plan.

Visiting Florence Cathedral: what travellers from Western Europe should know

• The restoration phase began on 1 October 2026, after 86-metre scaffolding was completed around Giotto’s Bell Tower.
• Giotto’s Bell Tower remains open during the works, but views from its panoramic terrace may be partly restricted.
• The tower is in Piazza del Duomo beside Florence Cathedral, in central Florence.
• The climb uses 414 steps and leads to a panoramic terrace.
• The restoration is expected to last about five years and will proceed from the top down.
• Italy’s official language is Italian and its national currency is the euro.

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Frequently asked questions about Florence Cathedral

What changed at Florence Cathedral on 1 October 2026?

Scaffolding around Giotto’s Bell Tower was completed and the main phase of its first complete restoration began. The work is expected to continue for about five years.

Can visitors climb Giotto’s Bell Tower during the restoration?

Yes. The tower remains open, and visitors can climb its 414 steps, although views from the panoramic terrace may be partly restricted.

Where is Florence Cathedral and how do you get there?

Florence Cathedral and Giotto’s Bell Tower are in Piazza del Duomo in central Florence, Italy. The complex is served by the city’s central public transport network.