Piazzale Michelangelo
Florence
Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence represents the most famous lookout point for this panoramic city, reproduced in endless postcards and a compulsory destination for tourists visiting the city.
It was created in 1865 according to the design of architect Giuseppe Poggi on a hill just south of the historical city centre, completing the redevelopment works along the riverbank on the left side of the Arno.The piazza, dedicated to the great renaissance artist Michelangelo, displays copies of some his most famous works preserved in Florence: the statue of David and the four allegories of the Medici di San Lorenzo Chapels. These copies were created in bronze, whilst the originals are all in white marble. The monument was transported by nine pairs of oxen on 25th June 1873.
The panorama embraces the heart of Florence, from Forte Belvedere to Santa Croce, passing along the embankments and bridges of Florence in sequence, and most importantly the Ponte Vecchio. Particularly evident is the Duomo (Cathedral), Palazzo Vecchio, the Bargello and the octagonal bell tower of the Badia Fiorentina, not to mention the hills opposite to the north of the city, with Fiesole and Settignano at the centre.
Providing a sense of continuity, the Piazzale perfectly encircles the historical residences surrounding the territory of Florence, such as Villa I Parigi.
The Piazzale can be reached by car along the tree-lined Viale Michelangelo, created during the same era. Alternatively, the Piazzale can be reached on foot by climbing the monumental stairs known as the "Rampe del Poggi da Piazza Poggi" in the San Niccolò quarter.