High up, closer to the sky enjoying breathtaking views to discover the infinite beauty of one of the most magical Italian cities
21 Jan 2021
Gruppo UNA
Unusual perspectives, new viewpoints, details to capture with your camera. Looking at a city from an elevated position always reveals something new and surprising, with the glorious architecture paired with blue-sky backgrounds creating endless picture-perfect landscapes.
Let us introduce you to the most panoramic spots the city of Florence has to offer.
The Piazzale Michelangelo terrace
This is certainly the terrace with the most famous panoramic view of Florence, most loved by international tourists. A sweeping panorama of the entire city, from its bridges, the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio and the Biblioteca Nazionale all the way to the Basilica of Santa Croce and the green hills of Fiesole and Settignano.
Piazzale Michelangelo, designed and built in 1869 by architect Giuseppe Poggi, today is adorned by bronze copies of works by Michelangelo, including the famous David that dominates at the centre of the large piazza. And since you are here, be sure you do not miss Giardino delle Rose and Giardino dell’Iris, two beautiful gardens not far from Piazzale Michelangelo.
Brunelleschi’s Dome
The top of the dome of Santa Maria del Fiore is the ultimate Florentine panoramic spot, from where you can admire all the most important buildings of the city: the Basilica of Santa Croce, Santa Maria Novella, Palazzo Vecchio, Piazza della Repubblica, and Giotto’s Bell Tower.
To visit the dome, you must purchase the ticket and book the visit in advance on the official website: https://duomo.firenze.it/en/home. It’s quite a climb, but it will be worth it.
The Uffizi
Besides its outstanding art collection, the Uffizi Gallery also features a panoramic terrace with a splendid view of Florence. Dating to the late sixteenth century, this outdoor space was originally used to grow aromatic plants, with fountains with water spurts adorned with shimmering metal birds, and used as a recreational space by the members of the Medici family who also enjoyed a good view of their own city.
Today with a bar and a gelateria, the Uffizi terrace is the perfect spot for a sweet treat or an aperitivo with a fantastic view of Piazza Signoria.
The Parnassus Gardens
Located in the upper part of the famous Horticulture Garden, you access this panoramic spot directly from an elegant gate in Via Trento. Although the panoramic terrace is at a lower level compared to other panoramic locations we have described so far, the Orti del Parnaso afford a complete view on Florence’s monuments with the added bonus of the unusual and very large snake-shaped fountain climbing up the steps all the way to the Horticulture Garden. So instagrammable.
Where to stay in Florence
If you have decided to spend a weekend or more in Florence, Gruppo UNA, with its many accommodation solutions will be delighted to make your sojourn even more pleasant, with its staff ready to offer you the highest level of Tuscan hospitality and impeccable service. The exclusive Leone Blu Suites | UNA Esperienze and the charming UNAHOTELS Vittoria Firenze in the heart of this wonderful Italian art city will turn your sojourn into an unforgettable experience.