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 (from the Medici tombs in the New Sacresty of San Lorenzo), dominated by the statue of David.  On the hill behind Piazzale Michelangelo stands the Church of San Miniato al Monte.

Piazzale Michelangelo is approached from the Viale dei Colli that winds its way up the southern slope of Florence for about six kilometers.  Both were designed by the architect Giuseppe Poggi in 1868.