PIAZZALE MICHELANGELO
Piazzale Michelangelo |
From the beautiful terrace of Piazzale Michelangelo it is possible to admire one of the most impressive views of Florence nestling in the Arno valley, surrounded by gently sloping hills. In the centre of the square stands the Monuments to Michelangelo (1875) with a bronze reproduction of the four statues depicting Day, Night, Dawn and Dusk, dominated by the statue of David.
Belvedere Michelangelo |
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CHURCH OF SAN MINIATO AL MONTE
San Miniato |
On the hill behind Piazzale Michelangelo stands the Church of San Miniato al Monte. This church, is a nearly perfect specimen of Romanesque architecture. It was begun in 1013, and its marble façade uses alternations of green and white. The interior is medieval with a few hints of the Renaissance era, and its floor is covered with zodiac symbols. Art includes works by della Robbia, Michelozzo and Aretino.
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CHURCH OF SAN SALVATORE AL MONTE
Other ancient churches in this area are San Salvatore al Monte and San Niccolò Oltr’Arno. San Salvatore al Monte was conceived and carried out by Simone dal Pollaiolo, nicknamed "il Cronaca" (the chronicle) in 1500. At first, there was a small church, consecrated to the Saints Cosma and Damian, that today is only represented by a big chapel. The guild of Calimala was responsible of the building and its eagle is visible on the pediment. Inside there is only a nave, as the franciscan churches use to be. Important works inside is the “Deposition”, in terracotta by Giovanni della Robbia. |
CHURCH OF SAN NICCOLÒ OLTR'ARNO
The pretty Via San Niccolò leads to the church of San Niccolò oltr’Arno, and then comes out at the Porta San Niccolò, dated 1324. The Church of San Niccolò became a parish church in 1375 and it was later rebuilt in the Gothic style. The interior has a single nave with a trussed ceiling, and three chapels in the presbytery. The wooden crucifixion of the second altar is attributed to Michelozzo. |
DEMIDOFF'S SQUARE
Demidoff's Square |
Near Piazzale Michelangelo is located another interesting square: Piazza Demidoff. This square is devoted to the russian Nikolaj Demidoff, that was Ambassador of Florence between 1820 and 1828. In that period, Demidoff was very active in charity. In 1870 the monument in the square, featuring the noble Demidoff, was given to the Florentines from his heirs.
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PALAZZO SERRISTORI
Palazzo Serristori |
Palazzo Serristori is an interesting ancient palace built by Giulio Parigi, an architect who worked on the Pitti Palace for the Medici family, and who repeated the mediaeval leitmotiv of the projecting consoles that can be seen on the buildings beside it, between the ground and the first floors.
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PALAZZO MOZZI
Palazzo Mozzi |
On the Belvedere Michelangelo area is another ancient palace to be found : Palazzo Mozzi. The construction was built during the 13th century and its appearance looks like the one of a fortress. The Mozzi family was a famous family of Florence and in that Palace they housed many important heroes of the time, including Pope Gregory X.
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MUSEUM BARDINI
Museum Bardini |
The interesting Museo Bardini is located in a palace bought in 1880 by Stefano Bardini to house his art collections of sculptures, paintings and tapestries. It includes works by Tiepolo, della Robbia, Donatello and Tino da Camaino. In 1922, at Bardini’s death, the Museum was given to the Florentines.
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