If you have dreamed of going somewhere for a very long time, it can be hard to believe, once you're there, that it's actually happening. Tuscany is one of those locations for many. The best way to make it all very real for yourself is to find a great viewing spot and to take in the scenery that you've always seen in books and pictures and your own imagination.
Once Tuscany – be it cities or rolling countryside – is laid out before your eyes, you can truly take it all in and appreciate its beauty. We have compiled a list of some of the best views and panoramic locations in the region to help you experience Tuscany in all her majesty; and maybe even take some excellent shots to make everyone back home jealous.
Two spots in Florence, in particular, offer amazing views over that beautiful Renaissance city. Just find a luxury villa in Florence and make it a point to head to both.
Once Tuscany – be it cities or rolling countryside – is laid out before your eyes, you can truly take it all in and appreciate its beauty. We have compiled a list of some of the best views and panoramic locations in the region to help you experience Tuscany in all her majesty; and maybe even take some excellent shots to make everyone back home jealous.
Two spots in Florence, in particular, offer amazing views over that beautiful Renaissance city. Just find a luxury villa in Florence and make it a point to head to both.
1. Piazzale Michelangelo
Piazzale Michelangelo is a square in the Oltrarno district of Florence that has a panoramic view across the city. Large and partly pedestrianized, it was designed by architect Giuseppe Poggi and built in 1869, during the redevelopment of Oltrarno. It is dedicated to the Renaissance sculptor Michelangelo and has bronze copies of some of his marble works, including his famous David, but the best part about this square are those views.
It is the perfect, picturesque spot to take in a sunset, spend a quiet moment or, even, have wedding photos taken. Best of all, you won't have to pay to go up into a tower to get this panoramic view, unlike in many other cities around the world.
Piazzale Michelangelo is a square in the Oltrarno district of Florence that has a panoramic view across the city. Large and partly pedestrianized, it was designed by architect Giuseppe Poggi and built in 1869, during the redevelopment of Oltrarno. It is dedicated to the Renaissance sculptor Michelangelo and has bronze copies of some of his marble works, including his famous David, but the best part about this square are those views.
It is the perfect, picturesque spot to take in a sunset, spend a quiet moment or, even, have wedding photos taken. Best of all, you won't have to pay to go up into a tower to get this panoramic view, unlike in many other cities around the world.
2. Giotto's Campanile
Giotto's bell tower is one of the four principal monuments on the Piazza del Duomo. It is 84.7 metres tall and is a stunning example of 14th century Gothic architecture in Florence. It also offers some rather views across the city. While the trek to the very top is a little grueling and not recommended for those with heart conditions or claustrophobia, it is well worth the effort. Once you reach the top, you'll be rewarded with sweeping views over the other landmarks of the city, its colourful rooftops and the bustling tourist crowds far below.
Of course, there are plenty of great views in Tuscany outside the city limits of Florence, particularly of that famous rolling countryside. To learn where the best views of the rest of Tuscany are, be sure to read on to the following posts in this series!
Giotto's bell tower is one of the four principal monuments on the Piazza del Duomo. It is 84.7 metres tall and is a stunning example of 14th century Gothic architecture in Florence. It also offers some rather views across the city. While the trek to the very top is a little grueling and not recommended for those with heart conditions or claustrophobia, it is well worth the effort. Once you reach the top, you'll be rewarded with sweeping views over the other landmarks of the city, its colourful rooftops and the bustling tourist crowds far below.
Of course, there are plenty of great views in Tuscany outside the city limits of Florence, particularly of that famous rolling countryside. To learn where the best views of the rest of Tuscany are, be sure to read on to the following posts in this series!