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  "path": "/news/florence-to-begin-major-restoration-of-giottos-bell-tower.html",
  "publishedAt": "2026-02-20T06:54:08.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.wantedinrome.com",
  "tags": [
    "News",
    "Florence local English news"
  ],
  "textContent": "First complete restoration of campanile is part of €60 million investment plan for Florence cathedral complex.\nA 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.\n\nThe 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.\n\n\nThe 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.\n\n\n\n\nKey elements\nSpecialised technicians will undertake a delicate cleaning of the bell tower's white, green and red marble revetment to remove crusts and pollutants.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe project involves a thorough assessment of the tower's structural integrity, including the verification of the decorative elements and the sculptural apparatus.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile 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.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEconomic investment and urban impact\nThe €60 million budget allocated by the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore represents one of the largest self-funded conservation efforts in Italy.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis 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.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo 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.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 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.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 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.",
  "title": "Florence to begin major restoration of Giotto’s Bell Tower"
}