- ltf4
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Editor Pick
#5 Best View in Florence
- October 6, 2009
- Rated 4 of 5 by
airynfaerie from St. Augustine, Florida
Probably the most popular lookout in Florence is the famed Piazzale Michelangelo. Although not ranked in the top 4 positions for "Best Views in Florence" in my opinion...it still is quite spectacular.
Sitting just above the neighborhood of San Niccolo and next to the lovely Iris Garden, this piazza is pretty much just a glorified parking lot. Although the view is marvelous, I think it's a little lower on my list, only because of the lack of atmosphere in the area surrounding you while taking in that marvelous view. Walk through the big lot of parked cars and tour buses, past the large (copy) statue of David, and between the many stalls of street vendors selling "Ciao Bella" t-shirts and leaning tower of Pisa mugs...and then you'll arrive at the expansive waist-high stone wall where you can turn and see the countryside.
There are a few lookout lenses you can use for a couple coins, and there are always plenty of people there taking the same photo of themselves on the wall with Florence behind them, that an impromtu photographer is not but a few feet away.
Although it does get quite crowded and the somewhat cheesy tourist scene in the parking lot can be distracting, it is possible to find a quiet spot to take in the glorious view. If you walk down the staircase to the level below, there's a lovely cafe with outdoor tables and even an extensive plaque with a map of the view so you can identify the major landmarks of the cityscape below.
Easy to reach by bus bus #12 or #13 from the center, it can also be reached by foot, climbing up from Piazza Poggi, through the large "porto" and up a zig-zag pathway that is a fun jaunt up or down. Admission is free, and it's worth a trip up at night too...less crowds and an unmatched view of the city lights.
From journal Best Lookouts and Views Around Florence
Editor Pick
Piazza Michelangelo
- May 5, 2008
- Rated 5 of 5 by
Travelny2 from New York, New York
Piazza Michelangelo offers one of the best view of the city of Florence. The Piazza is slightly removed from the main part of the city so if you are crunched for time it might make sense to take a cab. We had a dinner reservation and were trying to make it there in time for sunset so it was actually the one time we utilized a mode of public transportation in Florence other than walking but it is definately nearby enough to walk if you feel like it. From the Ponte Vecchio bridge walk east along the Arno River along Lungarno Torrigiani. The street name will change a couple of times but just stay along the riverbank until you see signs on your right. You have to walk up a fairly large hill to get to the main part of the Piazza but it only takes about 5 minutes.
The main Piazza is a sprawling expanse up on the hill above a park. There are a number of coin operated telescopes lining the edge of the piazza that afford great magnified views of the city and the surrounding hillsides. Drop in a coin and check out some of the huge Italianate villas in the hillsides north of the city. Some of them are massive. There is a large statue in the middle and some vendors selling drinks and light snacks. The highlight of Piazza Michelangelo is the expansive staircase that descends from the west side of the Piazza. The staircase has a totally unobstructed view of the entire city of Florence in the direction of the setting sun. Before you come here you should stop in town and pick up a few bottles of wine (DON'T FORGET A CORKSCREW...we learned this lesson in Paris and came prepared this time...and actually ended up lending it to about half a dozen people who had made the same mistake) and some snacks to bring with you (cheese and fresh deli meets or olives are a good bet) and have wine and cheese while watching the sun set over the city. This is a popular tourist spot and you will not be alone but it is one of the best ways to take in the city and it makes for a truly Italian experience.
If you keep walking up the hill from the Piazza you will arrive at a small outdoor cemetary. It is attached to a church and open to the public. The cemetary provides some great views of the hills with Tuscan style homes off to the southwest of the city. The walk DOWN the hill was a welcome relief after hiking up and we actually ended up walking in the other direction instead of taking a cab. It probably took us about 20 minutes to get back. This was one of our favorite experiences in Europe and again should not be missed.
From journal A Few Days in Florence
Piazzale Michelangelo
- October 19, 2007
- Rated 4 of 5 by
paolo1899 from Naples, Italy
Piazzale Michelangelo is the most panoramic and amazing place to visit in Florence. Overlooking the Arno, the city and the rolling hills of Tuscany, this site is great for everyone. I recommend walking up to Piazzale Michelangelo from Porta Romana. It is truly an experience! The walk itself is amazing and definitely worth the time and energy! You can also get there from the number 12 or 13 bus. It is beautiful to visit in fall when the leaves are changing colors and the weather is still nice. Be sure to bring your camera and take in every minute of your experience in this peaceful place.
The Piazzale Michelangelo was built in 1869 to plans by Giuseppe Poggi. In the middle of this square stand bronze copies of Michelangelo's David and the four statues of the tombs in the Medici Chapels.
From journal Piazzale Michelangelo
Editor Pick
Piazzale Michelangelo
To get the best view in all of Florence, Piazzale Michelangelo is the place to go. It's one of the highest points in all of Florence and truly the best (and cheapest) place to enjoy the view, especially at sunset. Piazzalle Michelangelo is right across the river Arno and within walking distance of Ponte Vecchio/Palazzo Pitti. It's no more than a 20 minute walk from the center of Florence. If you're not a walking person, simply hop on Bus No. 12 (ideal) or 13 which passes Piazzalle Michelangelo.
Once you reach the base of Piazzale Michelangelo, you'll have to trek up steep slopes and climb rocky steps to reach the top (of course, there are stairs, this is Italy!). At the top, there is a replica of Michelangelo's "David" although it's more of a green colour due to oxidation of chemicals.
There's no better place to enjoy a picnic or canoodling with your loved one - while you enjoy panoramic views of Florence that includes the Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio, Duomo, Bargello, and many famous sights. The view is truly breathtaking and this experience (did it twice in one day - both in the afternoon and at nighttime) ranks at the top of my list during my stay in Italy.
From journal 3 Nights in Fabulous Florence
Piazzale Michelangelo
- February 8, 2006
- Rated 4 of 5 by
traveller22 from Natick, Massachusetts
A must do is taking a walk up the hill to the Piazzale Michaelangelo. This is by far the best view in the city. It can be quite a hike (1 hour walk from the duomo) or you can take a cab up the hill, although some of the best views are on the walk up. It is across the river from the duomo.
From journal 4 Months in Florence, Italy