This walk offers the option to return directly to Central Florence or continue walking by ascending Viale Machiavelli to the Basilica di San Miniato al Monte and Piazzale Michelangelo, either on foot or by Bus 12 from Porta Romana. A stroll through the Giardino delle Rose and a riverside walk brings us back to the Ponte Vecchio.

Basilica Santo Spirito

Dominating  Piazza Santo Spirito, the elegant Basilica di Santo Spirito is a masterpiece of Filippo Brunelleschi, the visionary architect behind Florence’s Duomo dome. Construction began in 1444, and although Brunelleschi died before its completion, his harmonious design remains a triumph of Renaissance architecture. The church’s simple façade hides a luminous interior of perfect geometric proportions, with soaring columns and serene chapels. Inside, you’ll find notable artworks, including a wooden crucifix attributed to a young Michelangelo, carved when he was just 17. Santo Spirito is more than a church—it’s a living part of the Oltrarno community, hosting concerts, cultural events, and daily worship in a setting that feels both historic and intimate.

Boboli Gardens

Enter the Boboli Gardens through the gate behind Pitti Palace and begin a peaceful uphill stroll through one of Italy’s finest examples of formal landscape design. The walk begins at the Amphitheater and the Fountain of Neptune, then continues along the Viottolone, a statue-lined avenue leading to the Isolotto and its Fountain of the Ocean. Nearby, the Garden of the Cavaliere offers a quiet retreat with rose beds and sweeping views over Florence. As we ascend, we reach the Porcelain Museum near Forte di Belvedere, which can be admired from the upper terrace. Other highlights include the Grotta del Buontalenti, a fantastical cave adorned with sculptures and frescoes, and the Kaffeehaus, an 18th-century pavilion with Rococo flair that once served as a refreshment stop for the nobility. The shaded paths offer occasional rooftop views and a tranquil escape from the city below.

Statua Daniele Manin

This is a waypoint to help you navigate your walk to the basilica. As Viale Machiavelli curves into Viale Galileo, you enter one of Florence’s most elegant promenades. Part of the historic Viale dei Colli, this shaded boulevard climbs gently uphill past stately villas, wrought-iron gates, and terraced gardens. Along the way, you’ll pass the Daniele Manin, a striking monument to the Venetian patriot who resisted Austrian rule in the 19th century. Designed to showcase Florence’s hillside beauty, the route offers occasional panoramic views and a quiet, residential atmosphere—a scenic and rewarding approach to the heights of San Miniato al Monte

Piazzale Michelangelo

We will now descend to Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence’s most famous panoramic terrace. Designed in 1869 by Giuseppe Poggi as part of the city’s urban renewal, the square was intended as a tribute to Michelangelo Buonarroti. At its center stands a monumental bronze replica of Michelangelo’s David), accompanied by copies of his other masterpieces. Originally, Poggi envisioned a museum dedicated to the artist here, but the plan never materialized. Today, the piazzale is a beloved gathering spot for sunset watchers, photographers, and street performers. Accessible by foot, car, or bus, it’s a must-see for anyone seeking the quintessential Florence view. From here, you can continue downhill to the Giardino delle Rose on your way back to the city center.

Porta San Niccolò 

Located in Piazza Giuseppe Poggi, the Porta San Niccolò is a rare survivor of Florence’s medieval walls, built in 1324 as part of the city’s fortifications. Unlike other gates, it retains its original height, making it an impressive landmark at the base of the hill leading to Piazzale Michelangelo. After admiring the gate, continue west along Lungarno Serristori, enjoying river views and artisan shops as you go.