Location: Piazzale Michelangelo, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Opening Hours: 9:30am-1:00pm and from 3pm to 7pm; Sundays 3pm-7pm
Distance from Nearest Airport: 13.6 km via Viadotto del Ponte all' Indiano from Florence Airport
History Of Piazzale Michelangelo
Piazza Michelangelo was constructed in 1869 when Florence was the capital of Italy. One of the best architects of the time, Giuseppe Poggi, was tasked with the construction of the terrace in Florence overlooking the Arno River. Poggi was in awe of Renaissance sculptor Michelangelo and wanted to design the plaza and a museum beside it as a shrine to the great painter! He built both the terrace and the building beside it using the neoclassical style of architecture.
In 1873, bronze copies of the famous David, who is considered as the guardian angel of the town, were hauled up here by oxen. A museum could not be constructed near the square as envisaged by Poggi, but you can find a famous restaurant close to the square!
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View From Piazzale Michelangelo
The sunset view of the city of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo is indescribable, and that is why this plaza attracts swarms of tourists every year. It offers a panoramic view of the city of Florence, and you can also view some of the major attractions of Florence from this plaza, such as Ponte Vecchio, Forte Belvedere, and the famed bell tower.
You can also have the enthralling view of the two hills Settignano and Fiesole, from this square. This is a classic tourist spot that never fails to mesmerize tourists with its breathtaking views.
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Tips for Visiting Piazzale Michelangelo
1. If you wish to have a memorable visit to Piazzale Michelangelo, then do keep in mind these important tips.
2. Don’t talk loudly or scream once you’re at the square. Try to maintain silence so that people don’t get disturbed because of you.
3. Try to have optimum time in your hand to visit this square as it is one of the greatest visual splendors, and you’ll need optimum time to visit the square in a detailed way.
4. Wear shoes or boots while visiting the square as you might have to climb stairs and walk for a long interval, which will become extremely uncomfortable if you’re wearing heels.
5. If you visit the square by your own vehicle, then make sure to park it only in the parking zone of the Piazzale Michelangelo.
6. Don’t plan your visit to the square during monsoon(October & November) as it showers continuously over here during this season and can entirely ruin your trip.
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Attractions Near Piazzale Michelangelo
Here is a list of some of the hidden gems near Piazzale Michelangelo that you will surely appreciate!
1. Abbazia di San Miniato al Monte- This is one of the most popular basilicas in Florence standing atop one of the highest points in the entire city. It is considered to be the most scenic church and serves as a specimen to the finest Romanesque structures. You can have a spectacular view of the city of Florence from the backside of the church.
It is decorated with white and green marbles in geometric patterns and has three naves, a crypt, and an elevated presbytery. The monumental cemetery of the church both from the front and the backside contains Carlo Lorenzini’s and Collodi’s tombs.
2. Ponte Vecchio- The Ponte Vecchio is the oldest bridge of the Arno, constructed way back in 996 AD. But over time, the bridge has evolved to become an integral part of the heritage of Florence. It has tiny shops selling trinkets, souvenirs, and local handmade artworks.
It also houses the Corridor Vasariano or in English, the Vasari Corridor, which in medieval times, served as a distinction between the common people and the elite class. Beyond the Vasari corridor lived the upper class of Italy- the Medici and Vasari families, who patronized most of Renaissance artwork.
3. The Uffizi Gallery- This is a popular art museum located close to Piazza Della Signoria, and it houses the most incredible collection of artifacts pertaining to the Renaissance period. The museum has been organized as a vast labyrinth of rooms that exhibit the amazing work of art in chronological order.
The halls of Uffizi were firstly only accessible to Grand Ducal families, but now it has been opened for public visits. You can find here an exquisite collection of gems, manuscripts, cameos, and coins.
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4. Giotto’s Campanileto- This is an extremely famous freestanding campanile that is regarded to be one of the best examples of the Gothic style architecture. It has many carved lozenges, and geometric panels, and the sculptural artwork entailed on the exterior of the Campanile and is appreciated by the tourists all around the world. It has a 277 feet high bell tower that is overlaid with green, white, and pink marble.
5. Bargello Museum- This is the favorite haunt of art lovers as it houses impressive works by Donatello, Michelangelo, Verrocchio, and many other artists from the Renaissance period. It also houses a huge collection of sculptures and beautiful paintings, making it one of the most important historical sites in Florence.
It is set in a 13th-century royal palace and houses an interesting collection of ivories, small bronzes, jewelry, maiolica, weaponry busts, and weaponry. The government earlier used the building as police headquarters, but since 1865 it has got the stature of the first national museum in Italy.
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