Piazalle Michelangelo, Florence

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This is the place to get that killer shot of Florence. Sure, everybody else probably has the same snap but who cares? The piazzale's terrace (which is really a very large parking lot) was designed by Giuseppe Poggi in1869 for displaying copies of Michelangelo’s sculptures, and was to include a museum for others of his creations as well; thus the name. A very large, bronze "David" glowers over the city from a central pedestal surrounded by more bronze replicas of the four allegories, the originals of which are in the Medici Chapel.

But that’s not why you come here. The panorama across the Arno - dome and belltower of the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio’s clock tower and various church steeples rising above the rooftops - is breathtaking, especially at sunset. Trek up here on foot (or take the bus #12 or #13) and reward yourself at one of the cafes with an adult beverage and/or a snack before making your way back down the hill. If not completely tuckered, take the stairs up to San Miniato al Monte where the views are even loftier.

Our route: Ponte Alla Grazie across the Arno to Via San Nicolo, to Via dell Monte alle Croci. Follow it through Porta San Miniato in the city walls, continue up the street, and take the steps that will split off just to the left. (Viale Galileo). You’ll come out at the top near a small cafe (we had a couple of brews there); the piazzale will be to your left.

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The Piazzale Michelangelo is where you go to get that fantastic view of the city of Florence with views of the Cathedral. It is near the top of the hill on the other side of the Arno River. You can get there by public transportation – look for the #12 or #13 bus which can be picked up by the train station. You can also walk it if you are feeling fit and energetic!

The Piazzale has a large replica of Michelangelo’s David statue, food and souvenir vendors, and parking. As with most places crowded with tourists, beware of pickpockets who will try to take advantage while you are distracted by the view. I have read that this is not a safe place at night – I was actually there at night (but with a large group) and we didn’t have any problems. But it was still very crowded for a cold winter night so I imagine the summer and high tourist season can be worse.

If you have the time, I recommend you going here in the daylight and then at nighttime to see the city both ways. Each is equally beautiful. We actually toured San Minato al Monte, a church about five minutes away in the late afternoon so we were able to capture both views within several hours of each other.

Our first evening in Florence was over – we had learned so much just in those several hours; I was excited for what the remainder of the week had to offer. But for now, we had to get back to our hotel and get well rested for the next day. The ATAF buses provided a perfect way to get from one location to another within Florence.

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Piazzale Michelangelo was designed in 1869 by Florentine architect Giuseppe Poggi. Today, the piazza is filled with tourists, vendors, and a bronze replica of Michelangelo's David.
It offers panoramic views of Florence and the Arno valley and is a popular spot with locals and tourists.
Created as part of major restructuring of the city walls in 1869, Poggi's sumptuous terrace is typically 19th century. Poggi designed a monument base dedicated to Michelangelo, where copies of Michelangelo's works, including the David and Medici chapel sculptures from San Lorenzo would be displayed. When the terrace was finished, Poggi designed the hillside building with loggia as a museum for Michelangelo's works. For some reason, Poggi's project was not realized as it was intended.
The building that was to be a museum is now a restaurant.

Piazzale Michelangelo is one of my favourite places in the world, The square is famous for its panoramic view over the city.

The views are breathtaking with the Duomo rising out from the city and the backdropped surrounding hills, it has to be seen.

After spending the afternoon at the Ponte Vecchio we made our way on foot along the river and climbed th steep ramps at Piazza Giuseppe Poggi arriving just in time to watch the sunset over Florence.

The Piazzale Michelangelo can also be accessed by car along the tree-lined Viale Michelangelo or by bus.

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Piazzale Michelangelo was designed in 1869 by Florentine architect Giuseppe Poggi who's idea was to built the huge terrace dedicated to Michelangelo where copies of his most important works would be displayed. Poggi also designed hillside building with the loggia as museum for Michelangelo's works but this project was never realized, that building is now a restaurant. In fact, the only realized idea by Poggi is the bronze copy of David which occupying the central position of the square.
Piazzale Michelangelo offers magnificent panoramic views of Florence and the Arno valley and is very popular spot with locals and tourists.

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The best overall view of Florence is from the Monte Alle Croci, at the Piazzale Michelangelo. Here, one can see all of Florence--the Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo, the palaces, and parks. It's a great place to visit at the beginning or end of your visit.

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You get the best views of Florence at the Piazzale Michelangelo. If you can take the long uphill walk, you should go on foot because the walk along the riverbank is very nice. But you can also catch a bus. try and go at the sunset, it's a plus.

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The city of Florence is very romantic itself, but to get the extra spicy thing it's a must to climb up to the Piazzelle Michelangelo. High up above the city, with an amazing view of it, you'll have a whole piazza just for yourself...
... eh... but you might have to share it with thousands of other people, searching for the same thing...

A good advice is to go there in low season (late autumn for example) when neither the city of the piazzelle itself is so crowded with tourists from all over the world.

And, go there in the afternoon, to get the fantastic sunset in front of your eyes. But get there quite early, as it both takes quite some time to get there from downtown, but also because the changings of colour over the city when city sun is going down lower and lower is simply amazing.

There are some souvenir shops here, and during high season a lot of vendors selling about everything, and never seems to give up either. So be prepared for this.

Or buy a bottle of cold Birra Moretti and just shut out everything else except for the beer and the fantastic view. :)

On the piazzelle there is also a copied statue of David.
But have a look at the view instead. Look out for the Ponte Vecchio, il Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio and all the other famous sights. Including the football stadium of course. :)

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When we first arrived in Florence we were taken, on our bus, up to the Piazza Michelangelo.

The views from the top of the hill will take your breath away.

Designed in 1869 by Poggi, it offers a great view of the city, and is a very popular tourist destination.

While here you can take wonderful pictures, see the statue of David (a smaller version), buy souvenirs from vendors (or dodge the vendors like me), and just walk around. It is a very touristy place-in case you don't like those things.

The piazza also offers walking paths, a skate park, soccer courts, and even a small cafe off of the main road.

Many people decide to walk up this steep hill, but there are many other options including taking a public bus.

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Highly prized on my tourist goals is the vantage point to snap about at the panorama view of Florence. Usually Cathedrals do the job, or a tower, but here you must either find a bus or, like myself, walk! I suggest walking, because the path is really pleasant, with vegetation and flowers lining your climb up the numberous stone steps, and winding through the gently rising italian neighbourhoods villa, cobblestones, flowerpot wooden windowsills, typical italian....

Once arrived, you can see florence as a whole, with detiorating but charming villa houses in various orientations, the beautiful river, and the Cathedral dwarfing all other entities by the hand of God. the Cathedral is a ship in the middle of the ocean. but perfectly harmonious with the naval dome.

I saw it at night; florence does not have many city lights, which adds to the charm and small italian feeling.