Before the days of fast travel, Florence was approached by a network of roads that came over the hills from Siena, Fiesole and Bologna.
Travellers were often awed when, turning a corner in one of the roads leading to the city, they beheld its breathtaking skyline.
Then, as now, it is dominated by the towering Cathedral and a series of smaller monuments which frame it, such as Giotto’s Bell tower, the Badia Fiorentina, the Bargello, Palazzo Vecchio, and, more recently, the Synagogue and football stadium.
In the late XIX Giuseppe Poggi, the architect working for the Comune of Florence, taking this view into account, built a network of scenic roads on the hills on the left bank of the Arno, and Piazzale Michelangelo, where visitors could admire the Florence skyline.
This is the walk I propose taking: starting at Piazza della Signoria, crossing Ponte Vecchio and walking up to Piazzale Michelangelo and Forte Belvedere. The best pictures of Florence are taken from here!
On the hills, a bit above piazzale Michelangelo, the church of San Miniato al Monte is situated, which I always suggest to visit.
San Miniato al Monte is one of the oldest buildings of Florence which has come to our days practically untouched. The date of its second consacration after restoration is 1018, the church itself dates from possibly the V century. San Miniato al Monte is in perfect state, this white and green marble façade decorates the skyline of the city probably thousand years. The Basilica itself is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture, and inside we will see outstanding Reneissance and Gothic pieces of art.
We finish this guided tour visiting the Rose Garden. This poetic angle of Florence was created by Giuseppe Poggi in the XIX century. Here is is possible to admire not only the views and flowers, but also the works of Jean-Michel Folon, the French sculptor, which were given by his weadow to the city of Florence.
In another itinerary for this tour we can start the visit directly at Piazzale Michelangelo, to avoid going up the hills which is tiring, and then continue with San Miniato and the Rose Garden, to finish at the city centre.
Some useful tips:
- Free entrance both to the San Miniato and to the Rose Garden. A volontary contribution to enter to the Sagresty at San Miniato is appreciated.
- As during this guided tour we are going up the hills, be prepared to some walking. Convenient walking shoes and a bottle of water will make this tour more comfortable.
- Usually this is half-day guided tour – 3 hours, standard rate is 165.00 euros. The tour can be tailored to fit your needs.
- Dress-code to visit the church: just covered shoulders and knees. Visitors wearing mini-skirts or shorts are not admitted, but it is not necessary to cover your head.
Or see other guided tours I offer:
