Piazzale Michelangelo

Piazzale Michelangelo was built on the hill south of Florence's historic center, following the design of architect Giuseppe Poggi. Florence was the capital of Italy during this period, 1869, and the entire city was undergoing intense urban renewal. The "lungarni" (the roads following the course of the Arno) were created; on the right side, the Circunvalazione was opened in place of the 14th-century walls, and on the left side, an 8 km tree-lined panoramic road, now called Viale dei Colli, was laid out. Piazzale Michelangelo was built at its summit as a panoramic terrace overlooking the city.