The very best scene in Florence, “ night scene form Piazzale Michelangelo". The light of churches and bridges are so beautiful and fascinating.
Another scene expands in the evening. You will have a panoramic view of buildings made by Brunelleschi. The red-roofs of the buildings are features of this town, catches your eyes.
Florence is comparatively safe town in Italy. No problem for taking a walk enjoyably and safely during the day.
This lane is a recommended route for returning, these stairs branch off to the left from via del Monte Alle Croci. Need strength to walk up although it has gentle slope. You can take a greenery and pleasant walk.
The facade of San Miniato Al Monte Church: geometrical design of a white and a green marble.
The three-story gallery church: gold “Cappella del Crocifisso” shines out at the center of the church. The exterior is beautiful as well as inside.
In front of San Miniato Al Monte Church, there is “San Salvatore al Monte Church”: Renaissance Church, Michelangelo describes it “la mia bella villanella. (my beautiful country girll)”.
I am often asked by the person who is planning to come to Florence, "where is a recommended place to visit in Florence?" saying “Galleria degli Uffizi and dome are already arranged to visit, not having enough time to go around another town... etc.” Then I advise you to have a route toward Piazzale Michelangelo while taking a stroll in the town. 30 -40 minute walk make you feel relaxed if you get tired from walking though the crowd. The breathtaking panorama is amazing and slightly different from the view from the campanile of duomo. I do advise you to visit if you linger your time in Florence.
It is situated on the southeast of Florence, "Piazzale Michelangelo" is so popular spot and also famous as fine observation point of Florence. Especially in the summer up till the night crowded with a lot of people: many couples in Florence haunt since the night view is so romantic and fabulous. On the center in this square we can find a monument of Michelangelo and the copy statue of Davide. If you take a walk from the center, go toward to the Sant Croce Church and cross the "Ponte alle Grazie" on the side of the church. The area you arrive after crossing the river, is upper-class residential area in Florence, you will enjoy also strolling through this area.
Passing via del monte alle croci setting out from Pazza G. poggi, then go up stairs reaching left, you will arrive at a square. You will have a nice view of cypress and the olive field on the way. For returning it would be nice to have Viale G. Poggi which has a lot of curves, but beaware at night.
When you arrive at this square, just hang loose like Italians do, but not forget to take photos. You can see down the Arno River, Cupola di Duomo in front of you and Ponte Vecchio on your left. Especially you will have a nice view as buildings and bridges are illuminated at night. There are bars around take a rest there if you get tired: you can have Panini with enjoying fine view. Don’t forget to bring water especially in the summer.
You have to go up slope about 30 minutes as it’s situated on the hill. If you feel exhausted it would be better to take a bus. No.12 bus (anticlockwise) run every 10-15 minutes from SMN station. For return take No.13 vice versa. Bus ticket is available at Tabacchi (cigar store), it’s wide to buy round trip ticket in advance. (1.2 euro/ticket)。 Don’t forget to stamp to your ticket.
No. 12: Square in front of SMN station→Porta Romana→Piazzale Michelangelo→Campo di Marte station →SMN station
No.13: SMN station→Campo di Marte station→Piazzale Michelangelo→Porta Romana→SMN station
Both line run 6.00 am-1.00 am.
Please refer to the timetable at ATAF（http://www.ataf.net/ English is available）.
You can get to there with a taxi if you are not confident to take a bus. Just enough to ask the taxi driver to take you "Piazzale Michelangelo" since it’s so familiar place: only10 minute ride, 15 euro from the center. In the square taxis are available all the time so you don't have to worry to return.
On the left side of the road going to south from the Square, there are steps to go up. Continue to going ahead, and you fill find “San Miniato del Monte”, one of the oldest churched in Florence. It has Romanesque white facade, a lot of famous persons are buried although it’s small: it’s so splendid inside. 10 minute walk from the square, please try to go up the slope. From the front of this church you will have a fantastic panorama.
San Miniato al Monte
Adress Via Monte alle Croci - Firenze ITALY
Access 10 minute walk from Piazzale Michelangelo, if you lead to the sign you cannot miss it.
Tel +39 055-2342731
Opening Hours Summer: 8.00 am- 12.00 pm, 2.00 pm-7.00pm
Winter:8:00am-12:00pm 2:30pm-6:00pm
A lot of events are held in Piazzale Michelangelo
You can have nice panorama from here when fireworks display of Florence is held in summer. The youth gather at this place for the countdown for the last/first day of the year, celebrate the coming year with drinking. The big screen is placed for the occasion of games of the world cup soccer, also the MTV music program is brought from here. Popular Florentine favourite.