Piazzale Michelangelo

Established in 1869, Piazzale Michelangelo was the crowning achievement of architect Giuseppe Poggi's 'Risanamento,' a massive urban renewal project initiated when Florence briefly served as the capital of the newly unified Kingdom of Italy. Poggi designed the square on the southern hills of the city to provide a panoramic overlook that would showcase the city's architectural splendor. The construction involved the creation of the Viale dei Colli, an 8-kilometer long scenic tree-lined road that winds up the hill to the piazza. The square is dedicated to the Renaissance master Michelangelo Buonarroti and features bronze copies of some of his most famous works, including the David and the four allegories from the Medici Chapel in San Lorenzo. These bronze replicas were cast by the Papi foundry and hauled up the hill by eighteen oxen in 1873. Originally, Poggi designed a neoclassical loggia at the back of the square intended to house a museum of Michelangelo’s works, but the plan never materialized, and the building now serves as a restaurant. Over the decades, Piazzale Michelangelo has transformed from a symbol of national pride into one of the most beloved tourist destinations in the world. While it may lack the ancient roots of the Roman forums or medieval streets below, its strategic position offers an unrivaled view of the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Ponte Vecchio. It remains a vibrant hub where locals and travelers gather daily to witness the sunset over the Arno River, continuing its legacy as the ultimate balcony of Florence.