During any visit to Florence, one of the key spots to visit is Piazzale Michelangelo. This piazza holds the high ground over the city from the south bank of the Arno. The square is famous for its views. From the top, you can see the entire panoramic view of the city of Florence. The Piazza was designed by Giuseppe Poggi and was built in the year 1869, making it one of the more recent sights in the city. The square was built as part of an urban renewal of the city, as Florence had been made capital of a united Italy. Piazzale Michelangelo gained its name from the copy of the Michelangelo's famed David statue which sits in the middle of the square. The original statue is in the Accademia museum in the city and an additional copy sits outside Palazzo Vecchio. The bronze copy in Piazza Michelangelo, which sits on a pedestal, was hauled up to the square by nine sets of oxen in 1873.
Today, the square is a great place to relax and take in the almost overwhelming panoramic vista of the city. Almost all the major sites of Florence are visible from the overlook, from the Oltrarno district and Santo Spirito tower on the left, all the way to the Synagogue and the Stadio on the far right. Our recommendation is to visit the square sometime around sunset, when you can get great views of the city with the red glow of the sun enhancing the red tile roofs and lighting up the Arno. Post sunset, stick around and watch the city lights come on. You will be hard pressed to find a more amazing place to relax and enjoy la dolce vita.
The Piazza is not the only site on top of the hill. One of the spots worth visiting is San Miniato al Monte, a basilica only a short walk uphill from the square. Construction on this Romanesque church began in the 11th Century, while frescoes and cloisters were added on as late as the 15th Century. The apse of the church is decorated by an enormous mosaic from the 13th Century, while the center of the nave is home to the Chapel of the Crucifix, which was designed by Michelozzo in 1448. The church also offers additional spectacular views of the city, from its perch a little higher up, and is definitely worth the short climb up the stairs.
Getting to Piazzale Michelangelo by foot is a little difficult. The most direct access is climbing the Michelangelo stairs up from the banks of the Arno. Go slow, as it can be a little slippery. There is a lovely overlook about halfway up the stairs, so we suggest stopping here for a break if needed. You can also walk up either of the tree lined roads leading from either Piazza Ferrucci or Porta Romana. This is a pleasant, uphill walk that will get you out of the bustle of the city relatively quickly. Bus number 13 from the Piazza Ferrucci side or number 12 from the Porta Romana side will also get you to the square.
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