Discover Piazzale Michelangelo ...

Looking for the best place to get the perfect panoramic shot of Florence? We have found that one of our client’s favorite things to do before or after taking our tours is to walk from the city center to Piazzale Michelangelo, a large piazza that is in the southern part of Florence, on a hill overlooking the city below. It is a great way to see the city below and take a photo with the Arno river and the Duomo in the background, and it’s free!

To reach Piazzale Michelangelo, you can either walk or take the bus. There is one bus line that goes there and back that leaves from the main train station, Santa Maria Novella. The bus is number 13 and it leaves from Piazza Adua, which is along Via Valfonda, the road that runs just north of the train station where McDonald’s is. The bus will say “Piazzale Michelangelo” on it, and you can get off at the last stop in the Piazza. You can buy your bus ticket beforehand at any “tabaccheria” or purchase it from the bus driver when you board, don’t forget to validate it on the bus. The bus number 12 then goes down the hill to return to the city center.

To walk, simply cross the Ponte Vecchio into the Oltrarno region and take a left after crossing the bridge. Continue to walk along the water, passing another bridge on your way. You will eventually see Piazza San Niccolo, which has a large set of stone stairs. Climb those stairs and wind you way up to Piazzale Michelangelo. It takes about 30 minutes to walk from the city center.

While there, try to time your visit to the Gregorian chants at the church of San Miniato, right behind the piazza. The Benedictine monks there chant at the late afternoon vespers, which are at 5:30pm from April to September and 5:00pm in winter. Call 055 234 2731 for more information or check our website for My Exclusive Beautiful Views of Florence Tour!