From Piazzale Michelangelo you have the best possible view over Florence, without even having to leave the city. The most spectacular panorama is of course at sunrise when most tourists are sleeping and you only have to share the square with perhaps one or two other brave souls.
Piazzale Michelangelo Florence
Address, opening hours and entrance fee
The address is Piazzale Michelangelo – 50125 Florence. Bus: 12, 13. Entrance fee: Free, if you manage to escape without buying some pricey souvenir.
You can also go there on foot: you cross the river and after a walk of about 20 minutes, followed by a rather steep climb, you are at the square. The walk is recommended because there are many picturesque, typical Florentine houses to see along the way.
History and description
Piazzale Michelangelo was designed by Giuseppe Poggi in 1869. In the middle of the square stands one of the many replicas of Michelangelo’s David that Florence has to offer. This version is slightly smaller than the original and is green due to the oxidation of the bronze. The statue points directly to the Palazzo Vecchio, where the original used to stand.
Poggi was also responsible for the loggia of the café. This was originally intended to be museum dedicated to the works of Michelangelo himself.
At the corner of the square and the Viale dei Colli you will find the entrance to the Giardino dell’Iris. In this garden, which was only opened in May, 2500 different species of this flower can be seen.
A little further you can find the Giardino delle Rose.
The only disadvantage of Piazza Michelangelo is the enormous number of souvenir sellers and watercolor painters trying to sell their overpriced ware, but this is of course inevitable with such a picturesque tourist attraction.