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A bird's-eye view of Firenze: see the Arno, the red rooftops, the medieval towers,
the surrounding hills-- this magnificent panoramic view is only 463 stairs up a
narrow, winding staircase to the top of the cupola del Duomo (the church of Santa
Maria del Fiore), the city's tallest structure. The entrance is located behind
the Giotto bell tower, with its only 414 stairs....
 Indescribably beautiful and perhaps the most famous, is the panoramic view of the city and its surroundings from the "Viale dei Colli" which begins in viale Michelangelo and threads its way to the celebrated Piazzale Michelangelo, in front of the church of San Miniato, and across from the impressive Via S.Leonardo, at Forte Belvedere. A noble high-seat over the city and an equally noble view is afforded by the Caffè House in the Boboli gardens. Stupendous and little-known lookout points can be found along the Corridoio vasariano, an elevated route which connects Palazzo Pitti to the Palazzo Vecchio across the Ponte Vecchio (tours to be pre-arranged, Tel. 055-2388619 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.). At sunset, catch the enchanting sight of the sun going down over the Arno from the Ponte Vecchio or the Ponte di Santa Trinita. It would be well worth your while to climb up the green Fiesole hillside (6 km from the city) and find yourself transported above and beyond. Admire the view of the city from the veranda of the very luxurious, more-than-lovely, Hotel Villa San Michele. Color and folklorico abound during the Calcio in costume spectacular, in June, where four of the city's historical quarters compete in a series of tough games on the soccer field over a three-day period, preceeded by a parade of 550 costumed participants and flag twirlers. (For information call Tel. 055-2398302, Fax. 055-2398828). |
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