We arrived in Florence from Pisa about four in the afternoon. First stop was at the Hotel Kraft. It is a vey nice older hotel in a quiet neighborhood. I also very much liked the Italianate stye of the building. The hotel is a bit removed from the historic center of Florence We found it to be about a 12 block walk from Piazza della Repubblica at the edge if the historic center to the hotel. A real attraction of Hoel Kraft is the roof terrace. The enclosed lower level includes a dining area and lounge. Breakfast is served here and you have a wonderful view over Florence at sunrise. The open upper level of the roof terrace has an outdoor pool and deck. Outstanding views of Florence and the Arno River at all hours from here, especially at night with the illuminations.
After the first order of Florentine sightseeing was to go to the Piazzale Michelangelo overlooking the city. The Piazzale Michelangelo is a terraced scenic overlook affording a panoramic view over all of the historic center of Florence, the Arno River, and the country beyond it to Fiesole. Truly, this is a postcard view! Do not
forget to bring your camera! Piazzale Michelangelo was built in 1869 when Florence was the capital of the new united Italy and many urban renewal projects were underway. Im glad they included this one! Its the only place where you can have a full view of Florence Cathedral and of Santa Croce. A bronze copy of Michelangelos David was installed on the terrace in 1873. Nearby is the 11th century Abbazia di San Miniato al Monte. With its view, it is a very popular church for weddings.
There is no charge for the view, but there are plenty of souvenir stands here! To reach Piazzale Michelangelo one can walk up from the Oltrarno district by road from the Ponte San Niccol and the Viale Michelangelo. The latter was the route our tour bus took, which included interesting Florentine sights such as the Cimitero degli inglesi (English Cemetery) and the monument to Giuseppe Manzini, the architect of Italian unification.
