Florence, a city known for its art, culture, and architecture, is equally as breathtaking from up above. After spending your day getting lost in the city and exploring every nook and cranny of Florence’s duomos (church), gallerias, and ristorantes, wind down with the warm evening sun on your face, a bottle of chianti, and panoramic views of the city made great by the likes of Medici, Michelangelo, Raphael, Galileo, and more.
How do you achieve this stellar sunset evening? Glad you asked! Florence’s Piazzale Michelangelo was originally intended to be a gallery of works of Michelangelo, but has since become that and more; Today, Piazzale Michelangelo is a staple of the city and a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike to watch the sunset over the Florentine skyline.
A visit to Piazzale Michelangelo is very attainable while you are in Florence, and is best experienced on foot, although it is accessible via car or Vespa as well! If you are up for a 30-minute brisk walk (one way, with some steep inclines - we wouldn’t lie to you!), the views are worth the effort! If starting from the city center of Florence, you’ll want to cross over Ponte Vecchio and turn onto Via de’Bardi on the left. From there, make your way to Via di San Niccolò and turn right at the Via di San Miniato.
Part of the beauty of a visit to Piazzale Michelangelo is the many sights you experience along the way or are in the same vicinity. These include:
The Rose and Iris Gardens
The Holy Spirit Basilica di Santo Spirito, and the Piazza Santo Spirito
The Abbey at San Miniato al Monte (an additional 10-min climb from the Piazzale)
The Boboli Gardens and Pitti Palace Tour (a 25-min walk downhill from Piazzale)
As you near the Garden of Roses, you’ll approach the Poggi Stairs - this is the final climb! At the top, you’ve arrived at the Piazzale Michelangelo and can take a deep breath - or in our case, catch your breath! We recommend bringing a few picnic items with you to enjoy or share with your companions while the sun sets, or purchasing a refreshment from one of the vendors in the Piazzale.
The sunset and city views from Piazzale Michelangelo are ones you have to see to believe and fully appreciate the culturally divine city below you that is Florence.
Ready to see the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo? Schedule your FREE Travel Consultation today and the ELx Travel team will plan your visit to Florence!