First complete restoration of campanile is part of €60 million investment plan for Florence cathedral complex.
A major restoration is about to begin on Giotto’s Bell Tower, one of the most important landmarks in Florence, the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore association said on Thursday.
The project – the first complete restoration of the structure – specifically targets the external surfaces of the 14th-century campanile, which have suffered from the long-term effects of atmospheric pollution and weathering.
The intervention is part of a broader strategic investment plan, totalling €60 million, aimed at the conservation and enhancement of the entire Piazza del Duomo architectural complex over the next four years.
Key elements
Specialised technicians will undertake a delicate cleaning of the bell tower’s white, green and red marble revetment to remove crusts and pollutants.
The project involves a thorough assessment of the tower’s structural integrity, including the verification of the decorative elements and the sculptural apparatus.
While the original statues were moved to the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo years ago, the copies currently on the exterior will undergo maintenance to ensure their continued preservation.
Economic investment and urban impact
The €60 million budget allocated by the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore represents one of the largest self-funded conservation efforts in Italy.
This funding will not only cover the bell tower but will also support ongoing maintenance for the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Baptistery of San Giovanni and the Brunelleschi Dome.
To minimise the impact on tourism and local residents, the scaffolding has been designed to allow for the continued visibility of the monument’s architectural profile where possible.
The scaffolding will allow the monument to be restored in phases, starting from the top down. On completion of each phase, the scaffolding will be moved downward, while the restored section will be unveiled and visible to all. It will take four months to erect, with work starting on 9 March.
The Opera has emphasised that despite the works, the interior of the bell tower will remain accessible to visitors, allowing them to climb the 414 steps to the panoramic terrace throughout the duration of the project.
