Take In Stunning Views Over Florence From The Forte Di Belvedere

Those who have found a luxury villa in Florence and who are exploring the city and all that she has to offer will find themselves with no shortage of things to see and do. Like so many of the world's capitals of art and culture, those who seek out Florence will quickly find that one would need endless lifetimes, resources, and free time to see even a fraction of the innumerable beauties, attractions, works of art, views, and more that can be found in the city. Therefore, it is inevitable that there are choices to be made and itineraries to be carefully considered and planned. There are also highlights that most find themselves choosing to visit such as the Uffizi, the Duomo, the Bargello, the Boboli Gardens, and more. However, one of the other highlights that we personally recommend is a visit to the Forte di Belvedere, named for the truly beautiful sweeping view (“Belvedere,” means, “beautiful view”) that it affords over all that Florence has to offer. And, hey, if it was good enough for the wedding of Kanye West and Kim Kardashian (no matter what your opinion on either party may be), you know it's got to be something rather special, indeed. So, should you be planning a trip to Florence and Tuscany, be sure to set aside time for a visit to this fascinating building and to take in those famous views it boasts over the city.

Designed by the Renaissance master architect Bernardo Buontalenti, the Forte di San Giorgio, now commonly known as the Forte di Belvedere, was begun in 1590, during the reign of Grand Duke Ferdinand I, as a defensive structure. Positioned as Florence is, surrounded by hillsides across the Arno, it was long considered that potential attack from above was the weak spot in the city's defenses, a worry that was only heightened by the introduction of artillery to warfare in the early modern period. Located at the top of a hill, above the Boboli Gardens and to the south of the river Arno, the building of this fortress was intended to strengthen the city's defenses but also, more specifically, it was a way to safeguard the ruling ducal family as they could reach it from their home at the Palazzo Pitti (via the Boboli Gardens) very quickly in case of emergency.

Completed in 1595, the fortress encased the preexisting Palazzina di Belvedere that was likely designed by Bartolomeo Ammannati around 1570 and which offered a plush and luxurious hideout spot; it also became the Medici’s vault, guarding their most valuable possessions at the bottom of a well inside the building that was protected by a booby trap that would pierce through those attempting to force the lock open.

Today, the fortress is a little less like a set from an Indiana Jones movie and has become an exhibition centre where public exhibitions, cultural events, and private events (such as the aforementioned West-Kardashian wedding back in 2014) are regularly held. Depending on what the building is being used for at any given time, the exhibitions or events at the fortress may be the main draw. However, many come simply to enjoy those famously lovely views over Florence, the winding streets, the Duomo, the whole city, and out across the surrounding Tuscan hills. Yet others still come to get a bit of a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and the touristic and cultural frenzy that can be a little overwhelming at times as there is a bit of a steep walk up to the Forte di Belvedere that weeds out a lot of visits and assures that it is one of the less crowded sites in Florence. So, if you have browsed our vacation rentals in Florence and want to explore this wonderful part of Tuscany, be sure to take in the sweeping views over the majesty of the city in its entirety by planning a visit to the stunning Forte di Belvedere.