Piazzale Michelangelo
The terrace where the whole of Florence lines up under the dome, built as a nineteenth-century belvedere.
Saved in this browser only - no account, nothing sent anywhere. See your map
Giuseppe Poggi laid out the terrace in 1869 when Florence was briefly capital of Italy and the city was rebuilding its ring roads, and it was designed as a viewpoint from the start, with a bronze copy of Michelangelo's David and copies of the Medici Chapel figures at its centre. The view takes in the Arno and its bridges, the Palazzo Vecchio tower, Santa Croce, the Duomo with Brunelleschi's dome and Giotto's campanile, and the hills behind. Poggi intended a museum of Michelangelo works in the loggia behind; it never happened and the building is a restaurant.
What you actually see
- The panorama - the Arno, the bridges, the dome and the Palazzo Vecchio tower.
- The bronze David - a copy at the centre of the terrace.
- The Poggi layout - a belvedere designed as a viewpoint in 1869.
- The rose garden - a terraced garden on the walk up from the river.
When to go
Year-round; sunset is the classic time and the terrace fills an hour before. Early morning gives the same view almost empty. Winter light is clearer.
Honest expectations
Sunset is very crowded with buskers and vendors. The walk up is steep, and the bus is often full. There is a car park but it fills early.
Nearby
San Miniato al Monte is above; the Bardini garden lies below.
What to pack for Piazzale Michelangelo
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
