Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence

History of Piazzale Michelangelo

The square dates from 1869, when Florence was briefly capital of Italy and was being remodelled for the role. The architect Giuseppe Poggi laid a broad boulevard, the Viale dei Colli, across the hills of the south bank, and on its most prominent spot built a terrace overlooking the whole city.

It was dedicated to Michelangelo. Bronze copies of his work went up in the middle: David, and the four figures from the New Sacristy, Dawn, Dusk, Day and Night. Poggi meant the loggia behind the terrace to become a Michelangelo museum, but it never happened; today it holds a restaurant and café.

Ever since, Piazzale Michelangelo has been Florence's main viewpoint and one of the city's best-known sights. The classic postcard shot of the dome is taken from here, and in the evening tourists and locals alike come up to watch the sunset.

What you can see

From the balustrade the whole historic centre is spread out. Straight ahead is the dome of Florence Cathedral with Giotto's Bell Tower; to the left, the crenellated tower of the Palazzo Vecchio; below, the Arno and the Ponte Vecchio with its shops. To the right is the white front of Santa Croce and its tall bell tower.

Beyond the city rise the hills, with the town of Fiesole to the north, and on a clear day the distant Apennines. In the morning the light is soft and it's quiet; by day the city lies laid out before you; and at sunset everything turns gold and pink, which is what most people come for.

What to see at Piazzale Michelangelo

• Panorama of Florence — the dome, towers and bridges.
• Bronze David — the copy in the middle of the square.
• Pedestal figures — copies of Dawn, Dusk, Day and Night.
• Sunset over the Arno — the evening highlight.
• Rose Garden — a free garden just below the square.
• San Miniato basilica — 10 minutes up the steps.

The Rose Garden and surroundings

Just below the square, on the way up from town, is the Rose Garden (Giardino delle Rose), a free terraced garden with hundreds of rose varieties and a view of the city. It's at its best in May and June when everything is in bloom, but it's a shady place to rest on a bench at any time. In May the neighbouring Iris Garden opens too; the iris is the emblem on Florence's coat of arms.

Above the square, up a broad stairway lined with cypresses, stands San Miniato al Monte, one of the finest Romanesque churches in Italy, with free entry. Down towards the river run the Rampe del Poggi, ornamental ramps with fountains and grottoes that come out by the medieval San Niccolò tower.

Tips for your visit

The walk up is steep but short: from the river through the San Niccolò gate and up the Poggi ramps it's about 15 minutes of steps and paths. Bring water and comfortable shoes. In the evening you can walk back down and have dinner in one of the San Niccolò trattorias.

The square has plenty of street sellers and a big coach park, so it's noisy by day. Come early for a quiet view or in the evening for the sunset. It works well with children: lots of space, cafés and ice cream, and you can take the bus both ways.

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How to do it right

• Free, open around the clock.
• Arrive 40 minutes before sunset.
• Buses 12 and 13 from the station.
• Quieter up at San Miniato.

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