Embracing Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo
Piazzale Michelangelo shows how a simple square, on a perfect location, can rise to the level of undisputed postcard stage of Florence and meeting point for the past, present and universal beauty…
Throughout the world, travelers search for a special focal point, preferably an elevated plateau or a hill, from which inspirational city view can be experienced. Amazing viewpoints and panoramas make us more involved in the city’s layout and enable deeper understanding of its surroundings. Is it a valley, winding river, cliff or mighty mountain peaks? They can serve as the last piece of the mosaic, and create impressive “surrounding to city” bond for a postcard. Italy is simply a magnet, with its hilly towns, spectacular coastline, valleys, lakes and mountains providing view points to remember. In Florence, however, there is a place where you can observe the city with different eyes and sentiment. This is where Florence looks almost like a charming Medici lady, in all its glory and beauty.
I am (Jonnie) proudly embracing Florence, Piazzale Michelangelo
Located on the oposside side of Florence, compared to Santa Maria Novella church or Cathedral Square, Piazzale Michelangelo reqires a bit of “long distance” walking experience. Maybe the best option is to end up on Santa Croce square, grab traditional lampredotto sandwich and fill up your energy to continue further. From there, in a few minutes, banks of Arno river, with elegant palaces and bridges will motivate you to walk further. After crossing delle Grazie bridge, keep walking left, down the river. You will notice interesting parts of medieval Florence, until you reach prominent, old tower of San Niccolo from the XIV c. That is your sign to start a short hike up the steps, activating your body strength, and getting ready for the blast at the top. Piazzale Michelangelo is there, ready for curious visitors, symbolizing tiny piece of world’s gratitude to the grandeur of Michelangelo Buonarotti. This is his square, where stalls with souvenirs and tourists rushing for the best photo, disturb real tranquility of the place. In the middle of the wide space, stands bronze copy of Michelangelo’s David, surrounded by his famous allegorical statues of Dusk, Dawn, Day and Night – copies of the originals from the Medici Chapels.
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“Spectacular squares of Florence”
This is how Michelangelo’s sculpting signature is installed. Like a leading banner of human genius for all times. Before even thinking of having a look towards Florence, you have two choices. Enjoy relaxing espresso time, in noble La Loggia café just behind the monument, or take a short walk up the steps, to reach magnificent Abbey of San Miniato al Monte. Enter it, and you’ll be transferred in the world of fabulous Romanesque architecture from XI century, renaissance sculptures of Lucca della Robia and beautiful frescoes by Tadeo Gaddi and Spinello Arentino.
Copy of David, Piazzale Michelangelo
And then comes the view. Whole Florence is in front of you, nestled between Chianti and Mugello Hills. Arno river gives a special hug to the city with its bridges, while to the left, parts of elegant Boboli Gardens and the Pitti Palace can be seen. Just look how Cathedral dome looks so dominant from here. Its monumentality is almost touching the skies with lantern on top. Rustic, ochre Palazzo Vecchio is clearly seen and iconic Ponte Vecchio as well. Santa Croce Basilica shows its pinnacled bell tower, while greenish dome of the Jewish Synagogue completes this idyllic Florentine panorama.
Sitting on the wall on Michelangelo’s square, I always feel how close I am with Florence, how every time, I understand its spirit even deeper. I am always for an hour of contemplation on Piazzale Michelangelo witnessing how a city and its people turn into one universal entity.
Then, I stay assured, how strongly I belong to this city, letting myself to embrace it. What a unique privilege.
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Evening view from Piazzale Michelangelo
Notice: images are made by Jonnie World Walker team.
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Explore this fascinating aerial video by PAV360 showing all the charm, character and uniqueness of Piazzale Michelangelo and Florence embraced by the Arno River.
