Not Piazzale Michelangelo (too crowded), but the Giardino delle Rose just below it. Roses in bloom, zero tour groups, and the same Duomo view.
First Sunday of the month = free state museums. Showed up at the Uffizi Gallery at 9 AM. Waited two hours . Said, “Worth it for Botticelli, but never again without a reservation.” oles2143 experience italy
Arrived at 4:30 PM (one hour before closing). No line. The afternoon sun hit the mosaics like liquid fire. Oles noted: “Better than any VIP tour I skipped.” Not Piazzale Michelangelo (too crowded), but the Giardino