Piazzale Michelangelo and San Miniato al Monte
The postcard view of Florence, best at sunset
Laid out in 1869 by the architect Giuseppe Poggi, when Florence was capital of Italy, Piazzale Michelangelo is a great terrace on the hills south of the Arno, with another bronze copy of David at its centre. From here the whole city opens up: the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, the bridges over the river and the hills of Fiesole behind.
A few minutes' walk uphill, the Romanesque basilica of San Miniato al Monte, with its green and white marble façade, is one of the most beautiful churches in Tuscany. The Olivetan monks still sing Gregorian chant at vespers, a magical moment at the end of the day, and the monumental cemetery around it is full of nineteenth century sculpture.
Tip: walk up from the Porta San Niccolò along the Rampe del Poggi, then come down the steps at sunset when the city lights come on.
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