The long and complex restoration project, which will last four years and include one of Florence's most prominent structures, Giotto's Bell Tower, will begin March 9th. For the first time, the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore will direct and fund a comprehensive renovation of the bell tower, costing more than seven million euros. Numerous interventions have been documented since 1939, albeit only on a part of the monument. The renovation has become necessary to protect the monument, which was suffering from serious deterioration of its outside coating. The scaffolding, a distinctive and intricately engineered structure, was built to minimize the visible impact on the exterior, ensure that visitors have unobstructed views, and not obstruct the internal circulation or use of the panoramic terrace. The scaffolding will allow the monument to be rebuilt gradually, beginning at the top and working its way down. After each repair phase is completed, the scaffolding will be relocated down where the work will continue, and the restored part will be revealed and visible to everybody.