Piazzale Michelangelo

A pretty square with a breathtaking panorama
Word to the wise: Come here on a clear summer’s evening to enjoy a meal in the superb Ristorante La Loggia and watch the sun set over the city below.

For a picture-perfect panorama of Florence, head to Piazzale Michelangelo. A striking square located high on a hill south of the centre, it offers the very best views of the historic city.
Laid out by Guiseppe Poggi back in the 1860s, the square was designed to redeem the reputation of Michelangelo, who was generally disliked for leaving Florence for Rome at the age of 21. That’s why the square has copies of some of the artist’s greatest works, including a bronze replica of ‘David’ and copies of the four 'Times of the Day’ sculptures made for the Medicis.

People flock here on sunny afternoons to sit on the steps around the square, a bring-your-own glass of wine in hand, and listen to the street musicians. You can get to the square by walking up the stairs from the Piazzi Poggi Poggi in San Niccolo.