Michelangelo Square in Florence (Piazzale Michelangelo) is one of the best and most famous viewing platforms of the city, which offers beautiful panoramic views.
On the square there is a copy of the sculpture "David" by Michelangelo.
The square is named after one of the greatest masters of the Renaissance - the Italian sculptor, artist and architect Michelangelo Buonarrati; although the square is not connected with his activities in any way.
The square was built in 1869 according to the project of the Italian architect Giuseppe Poggi, as part of the city renewal program, since then Florence became the capital of the Italian kingdom.
So, on the top of the hill, the now famous Michelangelo Square appeared as a privileged panoramic terrace above the city.
Michelangelo Square has two levels and a monumental staircase leads to it. On the lower level of the square there is a cafe and a viewing platform.
From the side of the city center, the square is an open terrace with stunning panoramic views of Florence, covering the entire historical center and going beyond it.
Among them are visible: the monumental complex of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore, the tower of the Vecchio Palace and the Basilica of Santa Croce. The Arno River with the famous Ponte Vecchio Bridge is also clearly visible.
The center of Michelangelo Square is decorated with a copy of the statue of "David", the original of which was created by Michelangelo. The monument was opened on June 25, 1873.
On the pedestal, at the foot of the statue, there are copies of the four allegories of the seasons from the Medici Chapel in the Basilica of San Lorenzo. Unlike the marble originals, all copies are made of bronze.
The original sculpture "David" can be seen today in the Gallery of the Academy of Florence (Galleria dell'Accademia).
Also on Michelangelo Square there are stalls, places to relax and a drinking column at the east end.
At the opposite end of the square from the panoramic terrace is a neoclassical pavilion-loggia, built by Poggi for use as a museum of Michelangelo's works. However, this project has not been implemented and currently there is a restaurant "La Loggia" with an open panoramic terrace.
Behind the restaurant "La Loggia" there is a staircase that leads to the Church of St. Salvator on the mountain (San Salvatore al Monte alle Croci, Chiesa di San Salvatore al Monte), an important Renaissance building that acquired its current appearance in 1499-1504 by architect Simone del Pollaiolo.
Michelangelo was very attached to this area of the city and, in particular, to this slender church, which he affectionately called my beautiful Villanella.
Practical information
Michelangelo Square is located on a green hill, on the left (south) side of the Arno River, south of the historical center, near the Rose Garden.
The distance from the historical center of Florence (Piazza della Signoria) to Piazza Michelangelo is one and a half kilometers.
The square is open 24 hours a day, visiting is free.
Coordinates of Michelangelo Square: 43°45'46.0"N 11°15'54.0"E (43.762778, 11.265000).
All accommodation facilities in Florence (hotels, apartments, guest houses, etc.), including in the historical center of the city and more remotely from it, can be viewed and booked here
