San Miniato al Monte and Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence


	San Miniato al Monte and Piazzale Michelangelo These two vista points are within minutes of each other on the south bank of the Arno, and make for a nice half-day stroll out of the center of Florence. The Piazzale Michelangelo, a 19th-century lookout point on the opposite bank of the Arno, offers a fine panorama of the city. Its main square is adorned with a reproduction of the statue of David and other Michelangelo sculptures. Understandably a popular trysting point for locals, it's always crowded in the hot summer months, with hawkers and vendors vying for attention. Just up the hill beyond the piazzale is the famous Tuscan Romanesque church San Miniato al Monte (begun 1090). Its steps not only afford a great view of Florence, but a close-up of the beautiful bicolored marble façade. The interior, both its architectural detailing and marble floor, is Romanesque, too, but Renaissance works can be found in the chapels off the nave. The atmosphere becomes purely medieval when Gregorian chants are sung here. Address: Along Viale Michelango Florence Italy