Following the death in 1302 of Arnolfo di Cambio, the first Master of the Works of the Cathedral, 67-year old Giotto di Bondone was nominated to take his place. Giotto devoted a large percentage of his energies to designing and constructing a campanile (bell tower) to accompany the Duomo. The first stone was laid for the tower on July 19, 1334. Work would continue on the tower past Giotto's death 1337. The tower would be completed to its present height in 1359. The tower no longer houses any bells. However, a breathtaking view of Florence and the surrounding Tuscan hills can be enjoyed by climbing the tower's 414 steps.