Florence

The best viewing platforms in Florence

The slender bell towers of the churches, the battlements of the medieval palazzo, the red tiled roofs of the houses, above which the marble splendor of the Cathedral, crowned with the magnificent dome of Brunelleschi ... Looking at Florence at least once from a bird's eye view - you fall in love with the city once and for all.

For you, we have compiled a list of viewing platforms that offer an unforgettable panoramic view of the cradle of the Renaissance.

Arnolfo Tower

The Arnolfo Tower (Torre di Arnolfo), around which the palace of the city government of the Palazzo Vecchio was built in the 14th century, proudly rises above Piazza della Signoria.

Until now, the palace is a symbol of political power for the Florentines, because part of the building is the city hall. To rise under the bells of a 95-meter tower, you have to master 418 steps.

  • Working hours: check here.
  • Full ticket price: 10 €.
    In case of adverse weather conditions, the tower is closed to visitors.

Giotto's bell tower

Giotto's Campanile (Campanile di Giotto) is part of the architectural ensemble that adorns the Cathedral Square of the city (piazza del Duomo). The construction of the tower began in 1298 according to the project of the ingenious Florentine, better known as a painter, and not an architect - Giotto di Bondone (Giotto di Bondone), and lasted almost 60 years.

414 steep steps - and you will find yourself at an altitude of 82 meters from the groundand the magnificent dome of Brunelleschi will appear at arm's length.

  • A single ticket costs 18 euros (besides climbing to the bell tower of Giotto, with the same ticket you can visit the rest of the monuments of the cathedral complex: the Baptistery, the Museum at the Cathedral, Crypt, and conquer the Brunelleschi dome itself (only after ordering the exact time and day of the rise).
  • Working hours: check the link

An incredible view of the city opens from the hills that lie on the other side of the Arno River - Oltrarno. One has only to cross one of the bridges of the historic city center and make a climb to one of these places.

Piazale Michelangelo

Piazzale Michelangelo is a favorite place for both citizens and visitors alike. In the middle of the square is a copy in bronze of the famous David Michelangelo, and its foot is decorated with copies of the beautiful sculptures of Day, Night, Dawn and Sunset from the Medici Tombs. The Piazzale offers unforgettable views of Florence. Be sure to visit at any time of the day and access is completely free!

Basilica of San Miniato

If you are not too lazy to climb another fifty steps from the Piazzale Michelangelo to the entrance to the Basilica di San Miniato al Monte - you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the whole of Florence and the Arno River Valley.

The 11th century basilica is one of the best examples of Romanesque style in Tuscany. Facing the facade, look on the marble threshold of the first door on the left for the carved inscription "HAEC EST PORTA COELI", which literally translates as: "This is the door to heaven."

  • Opening hours of the Basilica: www.sanminiatoalmonte.it/orari
  • the entrance is free

Forte di Belvedere

Forte di Belvedere fortress, built on the top of Boboli Hill in the 16th century at the request of the Dukes of Medici, is one of the highest points in the city. From May to October, exhibitions of contemporary art are held here, and in winter, Forte is closed to visitors.

  • Opening time and entry cost: check here

Bardini Gardens

To get to the gardens of Bardini (Giardino Bardini), which are broken on the hill Montecuccoli, facing the city, you can either from Costa San Giorgio 2 (a stone's throw from Forte di Belvedere) or from Via dei Bardi 1 / R.
In spring and summer, aromas of roses, irises and wisteria hanging from purple waterfalls hover over the gardens. A luxurious baroque staircase leads to a small coffee house - it is from here that the whole of Florence is visible in full view. The upper part of the gardens is made in a romantic English style - here and there are copies of antique sculptures and the murmur of a stream under the shady crowns of trees.

  • Opening hours: www.bardinipeyron.it
  • The cost of a full ticket is 7 euros, children under 18 are free

Hotel Terraces

The Florentines themselves joke that the sunsets in the city are special: lilac-pink-vanilla. You can admire the setting sun in the warm season in the company of loved ones or friends, accompanied by light snacks and a glass of good wine or a cocktail from the panoramic terrace bars of the city.

Pre-booking is recommended for visiting all the places listed below!

Hotel Plaza Lucchesi

Plaza Hotel Lucchesi is located right on Arno's seafront, a stone's throw from the Santa Croce Basilica. The rooftop bar in the warm season offers visitors an aperitif from 19.30 pm - a generous buffet with a variety of snacks and cocktails to the sounds of live music and a unique sunset, reflected in the water of a chic outdoor pool.
Price: 25 euro

Grand hotel minerva

"Our terrific terrace with pool and bar is located on the sixth floor of the Grand Hotel Minerva, but the feeling will be like the seventh heaven!" - promises one of the best 4-star hotels in the city.

From 19.00, both hotel guests and visitors can enjoy the "Happy Hour" in Italian, admiring the sunset over a glass of Italian wine or another special drink from the bartender.
And if you want something very romantic, then from 19.00 to 24.00 anyone can order a private Private Sky Lounge area directly above the pool. Enjoy great drinks and breathtakingly beautiful panoramas.

  • We advise you to study: the best hotels of Florence 4 stars

Sesto sul arno

In the cozy All Saints Square (piazza Ognissanti) on the sixth floor of The Westin Excelsior, you will find the Se-Sto restaurant and cocktail bar. The chef is one of the best in the city. Here you can both have lunch and dinner.
For lovers of aperitifs, the restaurant opens its doors from 19.00-21.00.

  • Cost: 21 euro

Continentale

Continentale Hotel is owned by the Lungarno group, owned by the famous Salvatore Ferragamo fashion house. On the roof of the hotel, a few meters from one of the main attractions of the city of Ponte Vecchio, in the warmer months you can enjoy the evening coolness and unforgettable views of the Arno River. A wine list and cocktail menu can be found here.

I am sure this list of the best viewing platforms in Florence will be useful to you and will help make your vacation unforgettable. Waiting for you on my author's excursions.

Watch the video: Italy Guide: The Best Travel Experiences. Amalfi, Cinque Terre, Florence & Como (November 2024).

Popular Posts

Category Florence, Next Article

Favorite places in Italy where you want to return
Holidays in Italy

Favorite places in Italy where you want to return

What are your favorite places in Italy? Together with you, let's create a directory of places and ideas for traveling in Italy. Write in detail in the comments about your favorite places in the land of sun and wine. What impression did they make on you? Why are they worth a visit? I'll start with myself. My list of places where I want to return looks like this: Rome Ischia Umbria island and the city of Assisi Abruzzo Trapani, Sicily island Venice Genoa Rome I believe that Rome is a city where you can live ten lives and not have time to know it to the end.
Read More
Christmas traditions in Italy
Holidays in Italy

Christmas traditions in Italy

Nativity Scene In Naples, Christmas is always very strongly connected with traditions, and in particular, with the tradition of the Christmas den. Street San Gregorio Armeno (Via San Gregorio Armeno) is world famous for its craft shops, which recreate the scenes of the birth of Christ and make a huge number of characters so that everyone can create their own Christmas nativity scene.
Read More
Best ski resorts in Italy
Holidays in Italy

Best ski resorts in Italy

The serious attitude of the Italian authorities to tourism already determines not only a good vacation on the beaches, but also in the mountains. Excellent living conditions, high level of service and stunning views make Italian ski resorts one of the best, and therefore popular in the world. If you prefer low prices, excellent food and a unique atmosphere than luxury and comfort, then the ski resorts in Italy are created for you.
Read More
What you can not do in Italy: 10 main rules
Holidays in Italy

What you can not do in Italy: 10 main rules

A reasonable and prudent tourist, before setting off on a trip, will always try to find out about his country of destination in advance, try to study some traditions and habits of the local population in order to form a certain impression of the country and not get into a mess. It would seem that Italy is not so far away and we can understand Italians, however, tourists arriving in the country of wine and sunshine will inevitably make mistakes from year to year, which in some cases can ruin the whole impression of a vacation.
Read More