DISCOVERING FLORENCE THE HILLS ENCIRCLE

the most celebrated and picturesque image of Tuscany: fields and olive groves, vineyards, lines of cypresses and oak forests.

PIAZZALE

MICHELANGELO

This terrace with the most beautiful views of Florence at sunset divided by the Arno is as famous as Piazza della Signoria. It was designed, at the time when Florence was capital of Italy, by the Florentine architect Giuseppe Poggi. along with the magnificent neoclassical balustrade, which was restored a few years ago. The square is dom- inated by a bronze copy of Michelangelo’s David. This statue should have replaced the original David, which was moved to the Accademia. But the residents of Florence were not keen on the idea of a bronze David, transported to the square on a cart drawn by nine oxen. From here, a steep climb among the cypresses leads to the wonderful Basilica di San Miniato, Florence’s oldest church. This area, together with the Ramps, will soon be included in the so-called UNESCO area of the historic centre of Florence.

Theincrediblepanoramathatcanbe enjoyedwhenthesundipsintothewaters of the River Arno at sunset

Le Rampe

These are located below Piazzale Michelangelo and are connected to the famous viewpoint by a pedestrian walkway. Le Rampe are also the work of Giuseppe Poggi, completed a few years a er the Piazzale. Their purpose was to ensure the stability of the San Miniato hill. But this came hand in hand with beauty: breathtaking panoramic views of Florence, mosaics, gro oes, niches, mascarons and water flowing from the highest point of the Rampe down to the lower levels.

Forte Belvedere

Standing on top of the Boboli hill, behind Palazzo Pi i and overlooking the Arno and Ponte Vecchio, this spot offers an exclusive outlook: a 360° view of the city, but above all of the ring of hills that encircle Florence. The fortress was built in the late sixteenth century by Bernardo Buontalenti on the orders of the Medici, who were back in town a er a period of exile, and interior spaces are home to contemporary art exhibitions in summer, featuring acclaimed international artists.

Fiesole

intended as a refuge from potential uprisings and a hiding place for the family’s vast treasure trove. Today the exterior and

It’s one of the most delightful hill towns in the Florence area: aristocratic, secluded and studded with beautiful Renaissance villas, cypress-lined avenues and gardens. The best views of Florence are enjoyed from the belvedere at the Convent of San Francesco , which is practically unknown to many, because from Piazza Mino da Fiesole it’s a steep climb up to the Convent. Your efforts are well rewarded. It’s also worth visiting the Roman amphitheatre and the archaeological museum, testimony to Fiesole’s ancient past. Less than a year ago the winery of Bibi Graetz, an extraordinary oenologist, opened in the town square. There’s traditional cuisine at Terrazza 45 (on the square) or at Spaccio della Fa oria di Maiano (on the edge of town). Visitors looking for a gourmet experience should not miss the exclusive Log g ia di Villa San Michele .

Careggi

The hill of Careggi was the favourite place of the most illustrious Florentine citizens back in the fi eenth century; they built their country homes here, a racted by the splendid Villa of Lorenzo the Magnificent, originally home of the Bo icelli masterpieces Primavera and The Birth of Venus, today in the Uffizi. From your very first steps into the Viuzzo del Pergolino you’ll leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind as you take in the splendid landscape of olive groves and cultivated fields. Passing a number of beautiful villas with glorious pasts, such as Villa Incontri, Villa Corsini and Villa Le Fontanelle, you can follow country roads among the trees, peeking into the fabulous gardens of the villas.

For her, him and the kids. Since 1967