Piazzale Michelangelo Verified listing

Piazzale Michelangelo is a famous panoramic terrace located on a hillside in the Oltrarno district of Florence. It was designed in 1869 by architect Giuseppe Poggi during a major urban redevelopment when Florence briefly served as the capital of Italy. Intended as a tribute to Michelangelo, the square was originally meant to host a museum dedicated to the artist, though this plan was never completed. Today, the structure built for the museum functions as a café and viewing platform.

At the centre of the piazza stands a large bronze replica of Michelangelo’s David, surrounded by four other statues replicating his works from the Medici Chapel. From this elevated spot, visitors are treated to stunning views over the entire city, including landmarks such as the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, the Arno River, and the Ponte Vecchio. The square is a popular gathering place for both tourists and locals, often animated by street performers and vendors.

Piazzale Michelangelo is open 24 hours a day and completely free to visit. It can be reached on foot via scenic stairways or paths from the city below, and public buses also provide convenient access. The best times to visit are at sunrise or sunset when the city is bathed in golden light and the views are especially breath-taking. Nearby attractions like the rose garden, iris garden, and the historic San Miniato al Monte church provide additional reasons to linger in the area.