Introduction
Discover amazing views and epic climbs in the 5 Best Towers and Domes to Climb in Italy.
Are you looking for some activities to burn off the wine, gelato, and pasta? Or are you seeking stunning views of some of Italy’s most iconic cities? Then we’ve got you covered.
Table of Contents
St. Peter’s Basilica, The Vatican
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo), Florence, Italy
Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
Giotto’s Bell Tower, Florence, Italy
Author Introduction
Kate and I are avid CrossFitters. One of the core principles of CrossFit is functional fitness, or, in other words, the ability to do the activity you want when you want. Aside from dropping in on local CrossFit affiliates, functional fitness is handy for the more physically demanding attractions.
So, when Kate was in the lab engineering a fantastic vacation to Italy, she was sure to add some stairs.
Highlighted Recommendations
Kate’s Top Pick of the Best Towers and Domes to Climb in Italy
Giotto’s Bell Tower
Covered in intricate patterns of different-colored marbles, it is difficult to stop ogling Giotto’s Tower, step inside, and start your ascend. But the hard work pays dividends; once at the top, you are rewarded with unmatched views of the Duomo.
Micheal’s Top Pick of the Best Towers and Domes to Climb in Italy
Guinigi Tower
Not the tallest or most adorned on the list, Guinigi Tower is the most unique. It was not built for worship but as a home, with rooms built on top of each other that served as a mini castle in times of war.
1. First on the 5 Best Towers and Domes to Climb in Italy
St. Peter’s Basilica, The Vatican
As the tallest structure on our list, standing at 448 feet and boosting 551 steps, St. Peter’s Basilica has the largest dome in the world. So, you can pay for an elevator, and I was tricked; it will only take you up approximately three stories; it’s better to climb it all for the bragging rights.
During the ascend, you will find yourself inside St. Peter’s Basilica with breathtaking views of the church below. Surrounded by many different marble colors, the pews and people on the ground floor seem like ants from this bird’s-eye-view. Also, look up at the dome’s underside to see epic biblical illustrations.
At the top, take in the sights of Rome offered only by St. Peter’s Basilica.
2. Second on the 5 Best Towers and Domes to Climb in Italy
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo), Florence, Italy
Known simply as the Duomo, and in my opinion, the most elegant building in Italy, or possibly the world. The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is awe-inspiring, with different white, red, and green marble patterns. With 463 steps and standing at 376 feet, it’s no cakewalk, but you are rewarded with spectacular views of Florence at the end. Also, like St. Peter’s Basilica, you get an up-close view of the dome’s underside.
3. Third on the 5 Best Towers and Domes to Climb in Italy
Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
One of the most well-known buildings in the world, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, stands at 186 feet and is third on our list of the Best Towers and Domes to Climb in Italy. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is unique on our list for two reasons.
First, and most obvious, it’s leaning. Second, all 294 steps swirl upwards just inside the outer wall. So, as you trek upwards, you lean toward the outer wall on one side and the tower’s center on the other. It’s disorienting. Once at the top, you get terrific views of Pisa and Pisa’s other magnificent structures, Cattedrale di Pisa and the Baptistery.
4. Fourth on the 5 Best Towers and Domes to Climb in Italy
Giotto’s Bell Tower, Florence, Italy
For our fourth pick of the Best Towers and Domes to Climb in Italy, we again find ourselves in Florence. The only downside to climbing the Duomo is you can’t see the Duomo. That’s where Giotto’s Bell Tower comes in.
With 414 steps and standing at 278 feet, Giotto’s Bell Tower is a challenging climb. But at the top, you get views of Florence and, most importantly, The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.
5. Last on the 5 Best Towers and Domes to Climb in Italy
Guinigi Tower, Luca, Italy
Back in the Dark Ages, many lords build their townhomes upward to protect their families during invasions. Think medieval Manhattan. The front door was on the second floor, with wooden steps leading to the street below. So, when trouble came to town, the tower’s occupants simply burned the stairs.
Some of these tower homes still exist, and standing at 125 feet and 230 steps, coming in fifth on our list is Guinigi Tower in Luca, Italy. See how medieval families, the rich ones at least, lived as you ascend. At the top, view Luca and its city wall, the only fully intact one in Italy. Oh, did I mention trees are growing on the top of Guinigi Tower.
Conclusion
All the buildings on this list of Best Towers and Domes to Climb in Italy have fantastic views of their cities and other iconic structures. Kate and I were fortunate enough to climb them all in a week, but if you can’t, climb one. Just remember, prepare yourself physically so these climbs are a memory you will cherish and not a chore that you despise.
PS: Traveling is much more enjoyable when you are physically fit. Check out my journey through CrossFit.
For More Articles by Micheal – Click here!
