Visit Piazza Michelangelo

Climb up the hill and visit Piazza Michelangelo

The Piazzale (pronounced pee-ahtz-ZAH-lay) Michelangelo is a big public square that sits atop a hill above the Oltrarno neighborhood, on the opposite side of the river from the Duomo.

This isn’t one of those Italian piazzas that’s beautiful to look at, or that’s lined with cute (though overpriced) cafes - this is a place you come for a panaromic view of Florence...

especially watching the sun set over the city illuminating the red roofs of the city.. or the splendid lighted Florence at nightfall...

Built in 1869, this piazza is dedicated to Michelangelo and features replicas of some of his famous sculptures - including a large bronze David standing in the center of the square the four allegories of the Medici Chapel of San Lorenzo. The originals are all in white marble. The monument was brought up by nine pairs of oxen on 25 June 1873.

The bulk of the square itself functions as a car park, so you probably need to figure out how to omit it and get the best angle of Piazza Michelangelo.

There’s usually at least one food cart in the Piazzale Michelangelo, along with several vendors selling touristy souvenirs, but visiting the piazza itself is free.

To return to central Florence, look for a short flight of steps to the left of the piazzale and follow this to a series of footpaths which lead down the hillside. The paths will take you down to the Lungarno Serristori, running alongside the river. Turn left here and a ten-minute walk will take you back to the Ponte Vecchio.

Alternatively, there is a bus that will take you up/down the top of the hill too.

Tip: If you are lucky, the Iris Gardens may be open at the time of your visit so drop by Viale dei Colli to check it out.
Check Bflygal Trais: Smell the flowers in Iris Gardens