Piazzale Michelangelo is simply a must-visit site for its staggering panoramic view over the town that fronts it. Located in Florence, Oltrarno, Piazzale Michelangelo Square is not as ancient as many think, and Michelangelo did not create it. Architect Giuseppe Poggi designed it, and it was completed in 1869 as part of the grand urban renewal that took place when Florence served as Italy’s capital for a short period. Finished later than other landmarks in town, it still offers an incredible experience of Florence’s charm.
5 Places To Visit In And Around The Piazzale Michelangelo
Start your tour to Florence by getting a sneak preview of all that comprises this city, which every tourist would like to visit once in their lifetime. Once you have admired the outstanding views from Piazzale Michelangelo, there are many more fantastic places nearby that are worth exploring. Here are five you shouldn’t miss:
1. San Miniato al Monte
Image Credit: Txllxt TxllxT for Wikimedia Commons
Just a 10-minute walk from Piazzale Michelangelo, San Miniato al Monte—translated as Saint Minias on the Mountain—was built between the 11th and 13th centuries in the Romanesque style of Rome. It is a tribute to St. Minias, the first martyr of Florence. Its dominating green and white marble façade against the Tuscan landscape looks very beautiful.
Though getting up to the basilica is a bit of a workout, the panoramic views of Florence from here make every effort worthwhile. This amazing church has frescoes intertwined with mosaics of impeccable beauty, and it also has a very well-carved wooden ceiling. The Chapel of Crucifixion, designed by Michelozzo in the fifteenth century AD, is lovely.
Distance from Piazzale Michelangelo: 8 mins walk (450 meters)
Address: Via delle Porte Sante, 34, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Opening Hours: 9.30 am to 1 pm and 3.30 pm to 7 pm in Summer Time
9.30 am to 8 pm in wintertime
Entry Fees: Free
Also Read: Italy Travel Tips
2. Giardino Della Rose And GIardino Dell’Iris
Image Credit: Sailko for Wikimedia Commons
Just down the hill from Piazzale Michelangelo lies the Giardino delle Rose (translating to The Rose Garden) and Giardino dell’Iris (translating to The Iris Garden), representing a more tranquil retreat with some of Florence’s most beautiful views. Giuseppe Poggi designed the Rose Garden in 1865, and it was opened in 1895, as the San Francesco farm was turned into a public garden. This hectare-long garden contains a Japanese Shorai oasis, a gift from Kyoto to Florence, its twin city, and twelve sculptures by Belgian artist Jean-Michel Folon, lending a modernist touch to its historical identity.
Next to it is an Iris Garden that opens each year on April 25th and is dedicated to cultivating iris flowers, a symbol of Florence since 1251. It offers a breathtaking view of the iris flowers in bloom. Both are open all year round (except on Christmas and New Year’s Day), from 9 a.m. to sunset, making for a perfect spring visit.
Distance from Piazzale Michelangelo: 3 minutes walk (200 meters)
Address: Viale Giuseppe Poggi, 2, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Opening Hours: 9.00 am to 5 pm
Entry Fees: Free
3. The Palazzo Pitti
Image Credit: Yanko Malinov for Wikimedia Commons
A small stroll across the Ponte Vecchio brings one to another grand Renaissance palace, the Palazzo Pitti, testifying to Florence’s opulent past. It was built in 1458 for Luca Pitti, a wealthy banker. Then, it was eventually purchased by the Medici family, who transformed the building into a showcase of their extensive art collection. After the Medici line ended in 1737, the palace saw a series of occupants, including Napoleon and the House of Savoy. In 1919, King Victor Emmanuel III gave the palace to the Italians.
It now houses several museums, including the Palatine Gallery, which houses over 500 works from the Renaissance, the Gallery of Modern Art, and the Museum of Costume and Fashion. The magnificence of the architecture and the immensity of the legacies around the Palazzo Pitti are simply a treat for history and art lovers.
Distance from Piazzale Michelangelo: 24 mins walk (1.7 kilometres)
Address: Piazza de’ Pitti, 1, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Opening Hours: 8.15 am to 6.30 pm
Entry Fees: This can vary depending on season and reservation time.
Related Post: Beaches In Italy
4. Fontane Della Rampe Del Poggi
Image Credit: Nicola Quirico for Wikimedia Commons
While looking up the ramps that lead up to Piazzale Michelangelo, one can notice the vision of beauty that Fontane delle Rampe del Poggi holds. The fountains were designed in 1872-1876 by architect Giuseppe Poggi. They feature delightful caves, cascading waterfalls, and staircases that seem to rise from the hillside above the Arno River.
From a site in ruins, it has been lovingly restored to offer a tranquil retreat from the busy city and provide a sense of Poggi’s timeless vision.
Distance from Piazzale Michelangelo: 4 mins walk (230 meters)
Address: Viale Giuseppe Poggi, 50125, Florence Italy
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Entry Fees: Free
5. Cimitero Della Porte Sante
Image Credit: Jean-Christophe BENOIST for Wikipedia
Within the ancient walls of San Miniato al Monte, you will find Cimitero delle Porte Sante or Sacred Doors Cemetery, a living canvas of art and history. The skilled Niccolò Matas designed it and later expanded by Mariano Falcini, the cemetery’s design evolved alongside Florence’s expanding roadways, adding to its majestic charm. Since 1848, it has officially opened its doors to the public to experience the unique story of each tombstone and chapel.
As you walk around, the graves of many extraordinary personalities will be seen: right from Carlo Collodi, the famous author of Pinocchio, whose grave is adorned with the character Pinocchio. You will also find resting place of other personalities like Lorenzo Bertelli (Vamba), the writer who became famous for “Giornalino di Giamburrasca,” as well as Pellegrino Artusi, famously known as ‘The Father of Italian Cuisine.’
A visit to Sacred Doors cemetery makes this a place unique for anybody who relishes the rich cultural traditions of Florence.
Distance from Piazzale Michelangelo: 6 mins walk (400 meters)
Address: Via delle Porte Sante, 34, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Opening Hours: 9 am to 5 pm on Monday to Saturday
9 am to 1 pm on Sunday
Entry Fees: Free
You May Also Like To Read: Florence Hotels
Piazzale Michelangelo celebrates Florence’s beauty and artistic heritage with replicas of Michelangelo’s masterpieces: the very famous David and sculptures from the Medici Chapel. Though Poggi planned to build a museum at the back of the Terrace, the space now houses the delightful La Loggia restaurant, where you can enjoy a meal with a view. Whatever mode of transportation one chooses, Piazzale Michelangelo’s timeless beauty and unforgettable views greet each visitor. So, if you want to visit any of these places, plan a trip to Italy for hundreds of memorable experiences.
For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here.
Cover Image Credit: Galex59 for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Piazzale Michelangelo
When is the best time to visit The Piazzale Michelangelo?
It is highly recommended to visit Piazzale Michelangelo in late April to early June, and then again in September and October. This is when all the art and music festivals take place in Florence.
Is one day enough to explore the places in and around the Piazzale Michelangelo?
Walking to Piazzale Michelangelo without stops will take 10 to 15 minutes. However, spending just one day can be tricky, with many things to do, places to see, and eating options. It is advisable to spend 3 to 4 days experiencing what the place has to offer.
Florence has many attractions in and around; how is the weather there?
During April to early June, and then again in September and October, the weather is pleasantly warm. Summers in Florence are hot and humid, with average temperatures peaking at 32 °C in July and August. November is the wettest month with an average of 118mm of rainfall.
Is there any other specific attraction in Oltrarno district?
In Oltrarno, you can visit the famous Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens, and the Bardini Gardens. Oltrarno is rich in culinary appeal, with popular restaurants offering traditional Tuscan cuisine and modern dining experiences.
The Piazzale Michelangelo is a great tourist spot. Does it have any specific delicacy?
There are no typical delicacies peculiar to Piazzale Michelangelo. However, several restaurants and cafes nearby serve traditional Tuscan cuisine, including local dishes. You may like to go on a search of the areas around to have more authentic .
What are some of the famous restaurants to dine in Oltrarno?
Some of the best places to eat in Oltrarno include Trattoria da Burde, Osteria Santo Spirito, Boccadama, Gelateria Della Passera, Osteria All'Antico Vinaio, La Casalinga, and Caffè delle Arti. Reservations are recommended for popular spots, especially during peak tourist seasons.
What are some of the famous and must-try dishes in Florence?
Italian delicacies, such as Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Pici Cacio e Pepe, and Pappa al Pomodoro. For those sweet tooths, try the Cantucci and Torta della Nonna. You can couple your meal with some Tuscan wine, such as Chianti, for added experience.
People Also Read:
Tourist Places In Italy Things To Do In Italy Wedding Venues In Italy
Unveil the hidden treasures of the globe and turn every travel dream into reality. As a Content Writer, I am passionate enough to craft stories from ancient wonders to modern marvels. My words paint the picture-perfect itinerary for unforgettable experiences. Let my words be your trusted guide to immerse in the diverse culture and discover the beauty of the unknown.
