Piazza Michelangelo
Piazza Michelangelo overlooks the city from across the Arno River. This square has a superb view of Florence and the stunning dome of the Duomo. It’s worth the hike, drive, or bus ride. The best photos are taken from the street immediately below the overlook. The proper Italian description of this piazza is “Piazzale Michelangelo.”
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The Piazza
This area is pretty wide open and a statue of Michelangelo stands tall and watches over the area. Some days there are vendors with carts selling t-shirts and souvenirs along with carts selling food and drinks. This piazza is used for many events, including the Gelato Festival we attended.
As the sun begins to set, swarms of people juggle for the best seat on the steps to watch the sun go down. There is also a restaurant on the lower level of the piazza and a great seat to watch the sky change colors while having a Spritz!
Views From Piazza
Many people make the mistake of believing that this piazza existed since the birth of Florence or that it was designed by Michelangelo. Actually, it is a rather recent addition to the list of monuments in Florence, created in 1869 by Florentine architect Giuseppe Poggi, as part of a major restructuring of the city walls. Today, the piazza is filled with tourists, vendors, and a bronze replica of Michelangelo’s David. As many know, the original is displayed at the Accademia Gallery.
When walking down from this piazza, take a stroll as you emerge into the delightful little Oltrarno neighborhood of San Niccolò. It is quite beautiful.
How to Get There
It really is a very nice walk and although you can take the bus, it is worth your time and effort to make the stroll. Map to get to Piazza Michelangelo
We are planning our first trip to Italy and I have been lost on your blog for days!!! Thank you for taking the time to write such information dense/yet entertaining posts!! Because of the work you’ve done…it will ensure that our trip to Florence will be an amazing one!!! Thank you for sharing your deep love for your adopted country with all of us!!
Thank you so much Nancy for taking the time to comment. We so appreciate it and love to hear we give valuable information to our readers!!
Omgosh same! We leave for Florence Italy in September and I want to do sooo much but I know I will be back! Since we will be there for 9 days though I am trying to fit in as much as possible lol 🙂 and your website has been amazing!
Such a fantastic comment and compliment, Ginnely. Thank you so very much. Please share with friends and family! Let us know by email if you have any questions – we are always happy to help with travel in Italy.
Such a fantastic comment and compliment, Ginnely. Thank you so very much. Please share with friends and family! Let us know by email if you have any questions – we are always happy to help with travel in Italy. We have a great popular post about day trips you can take…