Michelangelo in Florence. Best viewpoint in Florence: Piazzale Michelangelo. History of Michelangelo's statue

Where is Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence and how to get there. On foot, by city bus (direct or with transfer), by car.

Piazzale Michelangelo is located on a hill between the Boboli Gardens and the Bardini Park. That is why this is one of the best viewing platforms in Florence - the whole city is at a glance from it. The only negative is that it lies away from the historical center. It is better to go there immediately, before the first acquaintance with the capital of Tuscany. Or leave the stunning view for dessert. After the streets, museums and embankments of the city have been walked far and wide, the sunset against the backdrop of the panorama of Florence and the Arno River will be the final chord.

On weekends in Piazzale Michelangelo you can meet not only tourists, but also the Florentines themselves. Citizens love this place for the beautiful view and the nearby Bardini Gardens. This park has secluded picnic areas and a huge number of rose bushes - from mid-spring to late autumn.

Excursions in Florence

Piazzale Michelangelo is not included in all. But this is not a problem: you can get there on your own, just a little orientation in the city. In addition, sooner or later, everyone has a desire to move to the other side of the Arno. And here it is interesting to go along the thematic route. In two hours the guide will reveal all the secrets masterpiece of park art and the Medici family.

Piazzale Michelangelo - how to get there

1. How to walk

Piazzale Michelangelo can be reached on foot from the center of Florence. But be prepared that the walk back and forth will stretch for the whole day. A lot of interesting things await along the way: gardens, parks and magnificent panoramas. For some time, it will take lunch in a restaurant on the square or an impromptu picnic in the Rose Garden.

Beautiful, informative, but long route:

From Ponte Vecchio to Piazza Poggi. You can start your walk from anywhere in Florence. But for example, let's take the closest point to the side of the Arno River - Vecchio Bridge, crowded with souvenir shops. From it you need to turn left onto Via de' Bardi. This street merges into Via di S. Niccolò. After walking along it for about half a kilometer, you will come to Piazza Giuseppe Poggi.
From Piazza Poggi to Piazzale Michelangelo. From Piazza Poggi, it is enough to follow Viale Giuseppe Poggi, and it will gradually (through two steep stairs) lead you to Piazzale. You can make a detour and pass through the fragrant Rose Garden (Italian: Giardino delle Rose) - a place where Florentines have picnics with cheese, crispy bread, tomatoes and wine.

How to get to Piazzale Michelangelo on foot:

From Ponte alle Grazie to Piazza de Mozzi. Through the bridge, located a little closer to Piazzala than Ponte Vecchio, you need to move towards Piazza dè Mozzi.
From Piazza dè Mozzi to Giardino delle Rose. This route will take you through the Rose Garden itself, if from Piazza dè Mozzi you follow Via di S. Niccolò (300 m), Via S. Miniato (70 m) and then Scalea del Monte alle Croci/Scalinata del Monte alle Croci up the stairs. She will take you to the top of the hill.

2. How to get there by bus

It's even easier here. If you don't like long walks, you can get to Piazzale Michelangelo by bus: No. 12 (from the Boboli Gardens), 13 (from Ponte Niccolo), C2 + 13 (from Piazza Duomo with a transfer to Piazza Cesare Beccaria).

Or the red tour bus. Piazza Michelangelo, like a good half of the attractions of Florence, are included in his itinerary.

3. How to get there by car (+ parking)

Getting to Piazzale Michelangelo by car is also easy. About three kilometers from Ponte alle Grazie via Viale Michelangiolo. It is enough to follow the signs - and there are many of them - or to hammer the route into the navigator. True, the latter sometimes works miracles and behaves no worse than Susanin, but you can ask for directions in a pinch. Things are more difficult in Piazzale Michelangelo with parking.

Dedicated parking on the Piazzale itself, designed for 72 places, paid. For the first hour of stay they charge 1 €, for each subsequent - 2 €. Payment is charged daily, without breaks and holidays. Only on Saturday and Sunday you can park for free from 0:00 to 8:00 in the morning.
You can park on the road leading up the hill. Viale Michelangiolo goes along the Garden of Irises (Italian: Garden of Iris). At the beginning of it there are free parking spaces, free of charge. But then you have to climb up on foot.
Via Delle Porte Sante has a paid car park. If, in addition to the square, you plan to visit the Basilica of San Miniato, you can park.

Where to stay near the square

Living in the Piazzale area is not the best idea, because it is far from the historical center. But to settle halfway to it from the Vecchio bridge is a much better idea. Firstly, many objects of interest are within walking distance. Secondly, the best parks of Florence are nearby: Boboli and Bardini, the Rose Garden and the Botanical Garden of Irises. And, thirdly, prices on this bank of the Arno are lower than on the opposite. At the same time, the view of the city is incomparably better.

1 Hotel Silla

Address: Via De’ Renai 5, Florence, Italy

Standard room at Hotel Silla

Three-star hotel near the Arno. The upper rooms overlook the city, on the roof there is a terrace where you can have breakfast in warm weather. The building itself (XVI century) and the rooms are decorated in the Florentine style; cleanliness, comfort, free wi-fi, private parking. Cons: Italian breakfast, no meat dishes.

2. FuordArno Bed & Breakfast

Address: Lungarno Torrigiani 3, Florence, Italy

FuordArno Bed & Breakfast

Hotel on the same left bank, type "bed and breakfast". Not only is it cozy and authentic, it is also budget-friendly by Florentine standards. Rooms are romantically decorated and offer views of the Arno River and Ponte alle Grazie (the closest bridge to Piazzale Michelangelo). Excellent breakfasts!

Historical facts

Not everyone knows that Piazzale Michelangelo is one of the "remakes" of Florence. And this is in a city where most of the buildings date back to the XIV-XVI centuries! Such news can shock a real esthete. But this is their business, and the main thing for us to know is that Piazzale has nothing to do with Michelangelo Buonarotti. She only bears his name, but the great master himself did not have a hand in any of its buildings.

Since Piazzale offers one of the best views of Florence, everyone wants to know how easier, and most importantly, faster to get to Piazzale Michelangelo from the city center. For example, from the Vecchio Bridge or the Uffizi Gallery.

The view from the observation deck of Piazzale Michelangelo is the icing on the cake. Like the dome of the Duomo in the architectural ensemble of Florence.

Construction of Piazzale Michelangelo Piazzale Michelangelo) took place during the years when Florence, along with other Italian cities, underwent a major renovation. The project belongs to the architect Giuseppe Poggi, who had a huge impact on the modern look of the city, along with Vasari and Buontalenti.

Construction work under his leadership was completed by 1869 as part of a large-scale restructuring of the left bank of the Arno River. The square was named after the Italian master of the Renaissance - the great Michelangelo.

* Even in cloudy weather, it is not difficult to see the interesting places of Florence, the spiers of churches and cathedrals. A large map of Florence is installed on site.

Interestingly, the Chianti tram route passed through Piazzale Michelangelo, connecting the city with two Tuscan communes - Greve in Chianti (Ital. Greve in Chianti) and San Casciano in Val di Pesa (Italian. San Casciano in Val di Pesa). But in the 30s the line was closed due to the collapse of the management company. And it's a pity, because the towns still produce the best Chianti in Tuscany.

What to see in Piazzale Michelangelo

The observation deck has become its main asset. There are no other significant sights/historical monuments in Piazzale Michelangelo. During the day, from the top of the hill, you can see the Old Town of Florence: the bridges and embankments of the Arno, Giotto's bell tower, the huge dome of the Duomo and the Basilica of Santa Croce. In the evening, you can enjoy the sunset, and then the night illumination of the city.
In the center of Piazzale Michelangelo in 1873 a copy of the most outstanding creation of sculpture was installed - the statue of David. A little later, at the foot of the white marble pedestal, four more copies of the sculptures of the legendary creator appeared - allegories from the Medici memorial chapel in the Basilica of San Lorenzo. The "twins" stand there to this day and, unlike the originals, are not made of marble, but of bronze.
Upon completion of architectural and construction work on the square in 1869, the “loggia” was also completed, where the museum was conceived. The exposition was planned to be dedicated to the works of Michelangelo. However, the project of the architect Giuseppe Poggi never came to fruition. In an empty room for a long time, some enterprising Italian opened a restaurant La Loggia.
Spacious car parking, adjacent to the observation deck, completes the architectural ensemble of Piazzale Michelangelo.

Question answer

Should I visit Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence? Definitely yes. And it doesn't matter when you do it - at the beginning of your vacation or at the end, leaving the most "delicious" for last. The main thing is that there is no such person who is in love with travel, who would not be impressed by the sunset from the observation deck.

Video report of visiting Piazzale Michelangelo at sunset. What will happen if you are not too lazy and still go to admire the view.

The observation deck is located two kilometers from Piazza Duomo and Santa Maria del Fiore. You can take a bus (both with transfers and without), book a tour or walk. Piazzale Michelangelo on the map:

Piazzale Michelangelo is famous for its beautiful views. From here you can admire the embankments of the Arno, as well as consider the dome, the bell tower of the Florence Abbey and other historical monuments of the central part of Florence.

In the center, on a marble pedestal, there is a copy of "David" in bronze. At its base are twins of four famous sculptures by Michelangelo, symbolizing the seasons, the originals of which are in the Medici Chapel.

The square is always full of artists who paint magnificent Florentine panoramas, and tents with souvenirs. It also houses the Temple of San Miniato al Monte, the Renaissance Basilica of San Salvatore al Monte, as well as the Benedictine monastery, which Michelangelo turned into a fortress during the siege of the city. Not far from the basilica is a small graveyard where the author of Pinocchio, Carlo Collodi, was buried.

Michelangelo Square appeared on the city map relatively recently, in 1865, the author of the project was the architect Giuseppe Poggi. It is located on the Oltrarno hill between Bardini and. You can climb here by stairs, called "Poggi's Ramps".

How to get there: right next to the square is the Il David bus stop (13). Address: Piazzale di Michelangelo, 50125 Firenze, Italia

A "must see" attraction for tourists and also a place very revered by the native Florentines, Piazzale Michelangelo (or "piazzale Michelangiolo": in fact, the original historical name of the square sounded like that) was built in 1875 by architect Giuseppe Poggi.

These were the years when it had the status of the capital of Italy, so urban construction was part of the so-called "Plan for the Ennoblement of the Capital": by the way, it was during this period that many avenues and boulevards of Florence arose.

Tourists at Piazzale Michelangelo

Ancient old walls were demolished to create wide boulevards, created according to the Parisian model: thus, along the hill of San Miniato, Viale Dei Colli arose, a picturesque route of about 8 km, which ended in a beautiful square - Piazzale Michelangelo. From 1890 to 1935, the boulevard was crossed by tram lines ("tranvia del Chianti"), which connected Florence with the cities of Greve in Chianti and San Casciano-Val di Pesa.

This is what Florence looks like from Piazzale Michelangelo!

Tribute to Michelangelo

The square was named after the famous Renaissance painter, sculptor and architect Michelangelo Buonarroti, to whom the monument was also dedicated, which adorns the square, consisting of a bronze copy of the statue of David and statues from the Medici tombstones in San Lorenzo (the originals were made of marble ). The decoration of the square was completed in a couple of years, and then, in 1875, the "terrace of Florence" became available to the public.

Piazzale Michelangelo

So, at the foot of David there are copies of four statues - allegories of the change of time of day, which adorn the tombstones of the Medici Chapel in San Lorenzo: a copy of the statue of David occupies a "privileged position": the statue rises above the city and watches it from above, constantly vigilantly guarding the Florentine treasures.

Handsome David!

Giuseppe Poggi also designed the neoclassical loggia that dominates the square: today it houses the elegant La Loggia restaurant. Initially, the building was conceived as a museum dedicated to the work of Michelangelo, but almost immediately it was converted into a cafe. On the loggia you can read an inscription that commemorates Poggi's contribution: "Florentine architect Giuseppe Poggi: turn around, here is his monument, MCXXI".

and allegory...

Behind the La Loggia restaurant you can see the stairs leading to the Franciscan Church of San Salvatore al Monte alle Croci, an important Renaissance building that owes its present appearance to the architect Simone del Pollaiolo (1499-1504).

Today, Piazzale Michelangelo is home to several restaurants, cafes and a stylish bar, but its main "purpose" is to serve as Florence's "panoramic terrace", a favorite meeting place for locals and an "observation point" for tourists who want to enjoy a beautiful view with a striking vista. In addition, especially during the first months of spring and summer, the square becomes an arena for the most important shows and big concerts.

Where is Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence and how to get there. On foot, by city bus (direct or with transfer), by car.

Excursions in Florence

Piazzale Michelangelo - how to get there

1. How to walk

Beautiful, informative, but long route:

From Ponte Vecchio to Piazza Poggi. You can start your walk from anywhere in Florence. But for example, let's take the point closest to the side of the Arno River - crowded with souvenir shops. From it you need to turn left onto Via de' Bardi. This street merges into Via di S. Niccolò. After walking along it for about half a kilometer, you will come to Piazza Giuseppe Poggi.
From Piazza Poggi to Piazzale Michelangelo. From Piazza Poggi, it is enough to follow Viale Giuseppe Poggi, and it will gradually (through two steep stairs) lead you to Piazzale. You can make a detour and pass through the fragrant Rose Garden (Italian: Giardino delle Rose) - a place where Florentines have picnics with cheese, crispy bread, tomatoes and wine.

How to get to Piazzale Michelangelo on foot:

From Ponte alle Grazie to Piazza de Mozzi. Through the bridge, located a little closer to Piazzala than Ponte Vecchio, you need to move towards Piazza dè Mozzi.
From Piazza dè Mozzi to Giardino delle Rose. This route will take you through the Rose Garden itself, if from Piazza dè Mozzi you follow Via di S. Niccolò (300 m), Via S. Miniato (70 m) and then Scalea del Monte alle Croci/Scalinata del Monte alle Croci up the stairs. She will take you to the top of the hill.

2. How to get there by bus

Or the red tour bus. Michelangelo Square, like a good half, are included in his route.

3. How to get there by car (+ parking)

Dedicated parking on the Piazzale itself, designed for 72 places, paid. For the first hour of stay they charge 1 €, for each subsequent - 2 €. Payment is charged daily, without breaks and holidays. Only on Saturday and Sunday you can park for free from 0:00 to 8:00 in the morning.
You can park on the road leading up the hill. Viale Michelangiolo goes along the Garden of Irises (Italian: Garden of Iris). At the beginning of it there are free parking spaces, free of charge. But then you have to climb up on foot.
Via Delle Porte Sante has a paid car park. If, in addition to the square, you plan to visit the Basilica of San Miniato, you can park.

Where to stay near the square

1 Hotel Silla

Address: Via De’ Renai 5, Florence, Italy

Standard room at Hotel Silla

2. FuordArno Bed & Breakfast

Address: Lungarno Torrigiani 3, Florence, Italy

FuordArno Bed & Breakfast

Historical facts

The view from the observation deck of Piazzale Michelangelo is the icing on the cake. Like the dome of the Duomo in the architectural ensemble of Florence.

Construction of Piazzale Michelangelo Piazzale Michelangelo) took place in the years when, along with other Italian cities, it underwent a major reconstruction. The project belongs to the architect Giuseppe Poggi, who had a huge impact on the modern look of the city, along with Vasari and Buontalenti.

Construction work under his leadership was completed by 1869 as part of a large-scale restructuring of the left bank of the Arno River. The area was named after the Italian - the great Michelangelo.

* Even in cloudy weather, it is not difficult to see the interesting places of Florence, the spiers of churches and cathedrals. A large map of Florence is installed on site.

What to see in Piazzale Michelangelo

The observation deck has become its main asset. There are no other significant sights/historical monuments in Piazzale Michelangelo. During the day, from the top of the hill, you can see the Old Town of Florence: the bridges and embankments of the Arno, Giotto's bell tower, the huge one and the Basilica of Santa Croce. In the evening, you can enjoy the sunset, and then the night illumination of the city.
In the center of Piazzale Michelangelo in 1873 a copy of the most outstanding creation of sculpture was installed - the statue of David. A little later, at the foot of the white marble pedestal, four more copies of the sculptures of the legendary creator appeared - allegories from the Medici memorial chapel in the Basilica of San Lorenzo. The "twins" stand there to this day and, unlike the originals, are not made of marble, but of bronze.
Upon completion of architectural and construction work on the square in 1869, the “loggia” was also completed, where the museum was conceived. The exposition was planned to be dedicated to the works of Michelangelo. However, the project of the architect Giuseppe Poggi never came to fruition. In an empty room for a long time, some enterprising Italian opened a restaurant La Loggia.
Spacious car parking, adjacent to the observation deck, completes the architectural ensemble of Piazzale Michelangelo.

Question answer

Video report of visiting Piazzale Michelangelo at sunset. What will happen if you are not too lazy and still go to admire the view.

If you want to come to Florence, not only to visit historical museums and architectural monuments, but also to get acquainted with the panorama of the Tuscan city, feel free to head to Piazzale Michelangelo. It is located on a hilly area, surrounded on the sides by the gardens of Bardini and Boboli. From the square you can see the entire historical center of Florence, see the Arno river spreading its waters, as well as the dome of the main cathedral of the city.

Story

The square dates back to the end of the 19th century. It was built by the Italian architect Poggi and was his final work on the arrangement of the left bank of the Arno. According to the author's idea, there should have been works by the great Italian Michelangelo, which would have praised his achievements over the centuries. The architect conceived the neoclassical Loggia, where Buonarotti's creations were to be kept. However, the ideas were not destined to come true. Now, instead of a museum, there is a restaurant with a beautiful view of the city. At the end of the 19th century, a tram route passed through the square.

Attractions

The area is quite spacious. There are a lot of parked cars on it, there are tents with goods for every taste.

A copy of the sculpture of the famous David, which occupies a central position, immediately draws attention to itself. The statue is located on a pedestal made of white marble. “David” itself is cast in bronze.

At one time, it took 45 bulls to bring the statue to the square.

Next to it, at the foot, there were also copies of the allegories of spring, autumn, winter and spring of the same Buonarroti. Copies, like David, are made in bronze. The originals of the sculptural composition are in the Academy of Arts.

View from the square to the city

The panorama of the city, opening from the square, allows you to capture the space between the ancient fortress of Forte Belvedere and the Florentine church of Santa Croce. From here you can see the embankment, located on the sides of the Arno, as well as a huge number of bridges, the main of which is Ponte Vecchio, that is, the Old Bridge.

In November of the 60s of the XX century, the inhabitants of the city from the square could watch how the Arno River overflowed its banks and began to flood Florence.

Here are a few more buildings, photos of which can be taken from the square:

Old Palace or Palazzo Vecchio;
Cathedral;
a sculpture museum called the Bargello;
Belfry of the Abbey of Florence.

You can also consider the towns close to Florence, Settignano and Fiesole, located on the northern hills.

The ancient outbuildings around the city will also fall into your field of vision. One of the most famous is the complex of villas called "And Parisi".

Location

Address: Piazzale Michelangelo (Piazza Michelangelo). 50125 Firenze, Italy

How to get there

The square can be reached using buses at numbers 12 and 13, which travel from the city center. Also in Florence travel in large numbers sightseeing buses. You can also take a walk along the stairs leading from another square - Poggi. The walk will take no more than 10 minutes at a calm pace along the ancient city wall.

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