Giotto's Bell Tower
Giotto's Bell Tower is a reminder of how beautiful medieval Gothic architecture is. You can be convinced of this by visiting Italy: among the great variety of cathedrals, towers, and baptisteries, you can feel like a small, modest person. In a special place among this splendor is Giotto's bell tower in Florence, the height of the structure is almost 84.5 meters.
History
The past of this extraordinary structure is very interesting. Work began in 1298, when Arnolfo di Cambio laid the foundation for the future tower. The founder dies four years later, and construction of Giotto's Bell Tower is stopped. After 36 years, the brilliant artist and chief architect of Florence, Giotto di Bondone, continues construction. Having managed to build only the first tier, he dies. Andrea Pisano continues the business, but also does not have time to finish the work. The project was completed by Francesco Talenti in 1359. For more than half a century, four craftsmen worked on the construction. Their work was not in vain. The bell tower is the pearl of Florence.
Description
Giotto's bell tower, which belongs to the cathedral, is installed on a square pedestal decorated with bas-reliefs of the creators of the Renaissance. Its shape is a tetrahedral multi-tiered tower. It was originally planned to be more than 100 meters high, but adjustments were made upon completion of construction. There are only a little more than 87 meters left.
The tiers are separated from each other by mosaic inserts by the hands of the Cosmati brothers. Each floor is richly decorated with medallions with bas-reliefs and sculptures. On the first there are images of the seven sacraments and illustrations of biblical scenes. The second is human society in development, from the emergence of man to a developed civilization. The third was decorated with statues of great master sculptors. The fourth tier is also empty; the biblical prophets in stone have moved to the Duomo Museum. Each tier is equipped with an observation deck. Today they are equipped with binoculars for admiring the surroundings. Giotto's bell tower is lined with tricolor marble in order to create a common ensemble with the cathedral. The main element - the bells - are placed in a special niche under the feet of people walking.
Giotto's Bell Tower today
The main function is lost today, because the bell does not ring, but is exhibited as a museum exhibit. The entire structure is also a main attraction for tourism rather than cult significance. Today you can walk everywhere, even climb to the top platform and enjoy the magnificent views. Of course, this should only be done by those who are not afraid of heights and confined spaces. The staircase of 414 steps is very narrow, creating inconvenience for moving up and down.
The modern appearance of Giotto's Bell Tower is much more attractive than the original image, but it received its name in honor of the master who devoted the last years of his life to it. The building embodies the best Gothic ideas: light lines, openwork exterior decoration, pointed arches, an entrance that you won’t see right away.
