Arnolfo Tower Palazzo Vecchio - a tall brick tower
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Arnolfo Tower Palazzo Vecchio

4.5
·486 reviews·Firenze, Italy

Climb the historic Arnolfo Tower for unparalleled 360° views of Florence, including the iconic Duomo.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early Morning

Fewer crowds, better light for photos

CrowdLow
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Arnolfo Tower Palazzo Vecchio - a tall brick tower

Arnolfo Tower Palazzo Vecchio

Best Time

Early Morning

Fewer crowds, better light for photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Climb the historic Arnolfo Tower for unparalleled 360° views of Florence, including the iconic Duomo.

4.5
(486 reviews)

"The view of the whole city was great. It was a highlight for me."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Tickets Online

Secure your timed entry slot for Arnolfo Tower in advance to guarantee your visit. :ticket:

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Be ready for 223 steps! Comfortable footwear is a must for the climb. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic City Views

Panoramic City Views

Top of Arnolfo Tower

Experience breathtaking 360° views of Florence, including the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio. A truly unforgettable perspective.

TikTokInstagram
The Duomo Up Close

The Duomo Up Close

Arnolfo Tower Viewing Deck

Get an unparalleled, less crowded view of Brunelleschi's Dome, often preferred over climbing the Duomo itself.

TikTok
Historic Medieval Architecture

Historic Medieval Architecture

Arnolfo Tower and Palazzo Vecchio

Explore the imposing medieval tower and the historic Palazzo Vecchio, a symbol of Florentine power and history.

TikTok

Planning Your Visit

Book Arnolfo Tower Tickets in Advance

Tickets for Arnolfo Tower often sell out, especially during peak season. Booking online in advance is crucial to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. Entry is timed, with limited slots per hour. Instagram

Prepare for the Climb

The ascent to the top of Arnolfo Tower involves 223 steps and no elevator. While manageable for most, it's a good idea to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a workout. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Early Morning
Why
Fewer crowds, better light for photos
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoon
Why
Golden hour light, fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Top 10 Things to do in Florence 👇 1. Climb Arnolfo Tower rather than the Duomo, less busy and you actually see the Duomo 2. Affogato at Vivoli. Expect queues, but they move quickly! 3. Rooftop bars. Our favourites were 📍Panorama Restaurant La Scaletta📍Loggia Roof Bar. 4. Boboli Gardens for amazing city views, if you are lucky you might see the famous wisteria arch in bloom. 5. Cheesewheel truffle ...
@ioioh95
93.9K likes • 2.7M views

🎯 Book Tickets Online

Secure your timed entry slot for Arnolfo Tower in advance to guarantee your visit. Instagram :ticket:

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Be ready for 223 steps! Comfortable footwear is a must for the climb. InstagramReddit :athletic_shoe:

Are you planning to visit Florence? 😍🇮🇹 Then, you can’t absolutely miss these 5 things to do 💪 1️⃣ Eat ‘’Schiacciata’’ ❤️ The most famous sandwich in Florence made with flatbread and filled with the most delicious cured meat. We tried it with mortadella, burrata, and pistachio cream: so delicious 🤤 2️⃣ Drink wine from a wine window 🍷 There are more than 150 around the city center look for the one...
@italy_alfresco
13K likes • 429.2K views
Hands down one of the most underrated spots in the city — Arnolfo Tower in Piazza della Signoria! 223 steps to the top (no elevator!) €12 entry (includes Palazzo Vecchio) BOOK IN ADVANCE — only a few spots open each hour! Totally worth it for those 360° views over the Duomo and rooftops of Firenze. Would you climb it? #Florenceltaly #ArnolfoTower #VisitFlorence #ItalyViews #HiddenGemsItaly #Fl...
classless_wanderers
50 likes • 1.2K views

📸 Photo Ops on the Way

Look for small holes and barred windows on the ascent for unique photo opportunities. Reddit :camerawithflash:

☔ Check Weather Forecast

The tower may close in case of rain, so check the forecast before your visit. Instagram :cloud_rain:

Save this on your must-see list in Florence📝 📍Arnolfo Tower, a hidden gem above Palazzo Vecchio 🎟 €12.50 / €10 (EU youth 18–25) / Free under 18 🕰 Open daily 9:00–17:00 (Thu until 14:00) — last entry 1h before close 🚫 Closed if it rains Not everyone makes it up here — but those who do never forget it❤️ #visitflorence #visititaly #florence #florencehiddengems #italyviews #travelbloggers #traveli...
ann_avdonina
310 likes • 17.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Tickets Online

Secure your timed entry slot for Arnolfo Tower in advance to guarantee your visit. Instagram :ticket:

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Be ready for 223 steps! Comfortable footwear is a must for the climb. InstagramReddit :athletic_shoe:

📸 Photo Ops on the Way

Look for small holes and barred windows on the ascent for unique photo opportunities. Reddit :camerawithflash:

☔ Check Weather Forecast

The tower may close in case of rain, so check the forecast before your visit. Instagram :cloud_rain:

💰 Combo Ticket Value

Consider a combined ticket for Arnolfo Tower and Palazzo Vecchio for a comprehensive experience. Reddit :moneybag:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(486 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking panoramic views from Arnolfo Tower, often highlighting it as a must-do experience in Florence. The climb is noted as strenuous but rewarding, with many appreciating the unique perspective of the Duomo. Some find the barriers at the top slightly hinder photography, but overall, the historical significance and stunning vistas make it a highly recommended attraction.

"Really enjoyed this. The view of the whole city was great. I had a Firenze Card and making a quick booking was easy. I went at around 12 and it was tea quiet, I’m not sure how popular or well known it is as I was surprised by the lack of people. The stairs are a lot but easy enough (I’m 25 and healthy but went with my dad, 57, and he was fine too).
Highly recommend doing this if you like a view of the city, it was a highlight for me.
There are some small holes on the way up that make for cool photos, and the bigger windows on the way up are barred, understandably. At the top it is more open for a better uninterrupted view."

charles hornlein

"Excellent views of the duomo and across Florence. Lots of steps but it’s not too narrow and you stop at various lovely to enjoy the view."

G C

"📍 Torre di Arnolfo – Florence, Italy 🇮🇹
The tall medieval tower ⏱️ of Palazzo Vecchio 🏛️, standing proudly over Piazza della Signoria. Climbing the tower means a lot of steps ⬆️, but the reward is one of the best panoramic views of Florence 🌆, with Brunelleschi’s Dome, Ponte Vecchio, and the Tuscan hills all in sight 🌄. The tower itself is steeped in history, once used as a lookout and symbol of the city’s power. Tickets 🎟️ can be combined with a visit inside Palazzo Vecchio. A must for those who love history and city views. 🙌"

Quing_刘妈妈

What People Like

Spectacular city views
Unique Duomo perspective
Historical significance

What People Dislike

Strenuous climb
Barriers for photos

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Arnolfo Tower is located within Palazzo Vecchio in Piazza della Signoria, the heart of Florence. It's easily accessible on foot from most central locations. If arriving by public transport, look for bus stops near Piazza della Signoria. TikTok

Yes, Arnolfo Tower is the prominent medieval tower of Palazzo Vecchio, a landmark in Piazza della Signoria. You can't miss its imposing structure. TikTok

Palazzo Vecchio is centrally located. Walking is ideal if you're in the historic center. Otherwise, several bus lines stop near Piazza della Signoria. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets for Arnolfo Tower typically cost around €12.50, with concessions for EU youth (18-25) and free entry for those under 18. Combined tickets with Palazzo Vecchio are also available. InstagramReddit

Yes, booking tickets in advance is highly recommended as entry is timed and slots are limited per hour. This helps avoid disappointment. Instagram

A ticket for Arnolfo Tower usually includes access to the tower climb and the panoramic views. It can often be combined with entry to Palazzo Vecchio for a more complete experience. Reddit

Opening hours are generally from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last entry an hour before closing. Thursdays may have shorter hours, closing at 2:00 PM. Always check the official website for the most current information. Instagram

Yes, the Firenze Card often includes access to Arnolfo Tower and Palazzo Vecchio, and allows for easy booking of timed entry slots. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The top viewing deck offers stunning panoramic shots of Florence. Additionally, the small holes and barred windows on the way up provide unique angles for photography. InstagramReddit

While the views are excellent, a barrier near the outer wall can make it challenging to get unobstructed photos. However, the open areas at the top provide better opportunities. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive cityscapes. A smartphone with good low-light capabilities can also capture impressive shots, especially during golden hour. Instagram

🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience

There are 223 steps to reach the top of Arnolfo Tower. It's a significant climb, but the views are well worth the effort. Instagram

The climb is strenuous due to the number of steps, but the path is generally not too narrow, and there are opportunities to rest and enjoy views along the way. It's manageable for most healthy individuals. Reddit

Palazzo Vecchio houses impressive halls like the Salone dei Cinquecento, private apartments, and various art collections, offering a deep dive into Florentine history and art. Reddit

Children can climb the tower, but parents should assess their stamina and comfort with heights. The climb requires a good level of energy. Reddit

While you can purchase separate tickets, a combined ticket often offers better value and allows you to explore both the tower and the palace's historical rooms. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Climbing Arnolfo Tower can be an exciting adventure for families, but be prepared for the 223 steps. It's a good idea to gauge your children's stamina and comfort with heights beforehand. The views from the top are often a big hit with kids, offering a fantastic way to see the city spread out below. Reddit

Consider bringing snacks and water, as the climb can be tiring. The historical aspect of the tower might also spark their imagination about medieval times. If your children are younger or have less stamina, focusing on the Palazzo Vecchio's main halls might be a more suitable alternative or addition to the tower climb. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Arnolfo Tower is a dream for photographers, offering some of the most iconic views of Florence. The panoramic vistas of the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and the terracotta rooftops are unparalleled. Instagram

To capture the best shots, aim for early morning or late afternoon light for that magical golden hour glow. While the top offers open views, don't overlook the unique framing opportunities through the smaller openings and barred windows on the ascent. Reddit A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to encompass the vastness of the cityscape. Instagram

🏛️ History Buffs

For those fascinated by history, Arnolfo Tower and Palazzo Vecchio are essential visits. The tower itself is a medieval marvel, a testament to Florentine civic power and defense. TikTok

Exploring the Palazzo Vecchio reveals centuries of political and artistic history, from the grand Salone dei Cinquecento to the private apartments of the Medici family. The tower climb provides a physical connection to the past, allowing you to tread the same paths as historical figures. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Significance of Arnolfo Tower

Arnolfo Tower, standing tall at 95 meters, is an integral part of the Palazzo Vecchio, the historic town hall of Florence. Its construction began in the late 13th century, designed by Arnolfo di Cambio, and it has since served as a symbol of the city's civic power and a crucial defensive structure. For centuries, it was used as a lookout point, providing early warnings of approaching enemies or fires. The tower's imposing presence over Piazza della Signoria has made it an enduring icon of Florence's rich past. TikTok

Climbing the tower offers not just spectacular views but also a tangible connection to this history. As you ascend the 223 steps, you can imagine the guards who once patrolled these same narrow passages, keeping watch over the bustling city below. The tower's architecture itself, with its sturdy stone construction and strategic placement, speaks volumes about the medieval era's focus on defense and grandeur. Reddit

Today, Arnolfo Tower is a major attraction, drawing visitors eager to experience its historical ambiance and the unparalleled vistas it provides. It's a testament to Florentine engineering and a vital piece of the city's heritage, offering a unique perspective on its Renaissance glory. Instagram

Experiencing the Views from Arnolfo Tower

The primary draw of Arnolfo Tower is undoubtedly its breathtaking panoramic views of Florence. From the top, you're treated to a 360-degree spectacle that includes iconic landmarks like Brunelleschi's Dome, the Ponte Vecchio, and the Arno River. Many visitors find the view of the Duomo from the tower to be a highlight, offering a different perspective than climbing the dome itself. TikTokInstagram

While the views are spectacular, the experience of reaching them is part of the adventure. The climb up the 223 steps is a journey in itself, with small openings and windows along the way that offer glimpses of the city and serve as interesting photo opportunities. Reddit The top viewing deck is more open, allowing for unobstructed vistas, though some reviewers note a barrier can make close-up shots of the outer walls challenging. Reddit

For the best photographic results, consider visiting during the 'golden hour' – shortly after sunrise or before sunset – when the light casts a warm glow over the city. Early mornings also tend to be less crowded, allowing for a more peaceful and immersive experience. TikTokInstagram

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