Florence's Forte di Belvedere reopens

We talked about it with Carlo Francini, superintendent of the Municipal Museums and director of the Florentine Civic Museums

With summer’s arrival, Florence rediscovers one of its most iconic and beloved sites: Forte Belvedere. From June to October, this magnificent terrace suspended between sky and city once again opens its gates, inviting Florentines and travellers alike to enjoy a view that takes your breath away – among contemporary art, events, and timeless beauty. A place where past and present meet, and where culture and landscape intertwine in a perfect embrace. We spoke with Carlo Francini, Superintendent of Municipal Museums, Director of the Florentine Civic Museums and Site Manager of Florence’s Historic Centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The reopening of Forte Belvedere is a key moment each year for Florence. How significant is it, today, to return such an iconic and accessible space to the city?

Forte Belvedere is one of the city’s most representative places, not only for its historic defensive role but also for its unique position. Each year, from June to October, its reopening is an important event on Florence’s cultural calendar. Mayor Sara Funaro and Culture Councillor Giovanni Bettarini have clearly expressed the will to gradually transform the Forte into a space that’s open all year round. It’s a complex but necessary challenge: to return this extraordinary place to the citizens of Florence – particularly to the younger generations. Our goal is to make it part of everyday life, not just a destination for tourists or art lovers.

Can you briefly tell us the history of Forte Belvedere? The Forte was built at the end of the sixteenth century, designed by Bernardo Buontalenti at the request of Grand Duke Ferdinando I de’ Medici. Its strategic position, on the edge of the medieval walls, made it a key point for defending the city. It was directly connected to Palazzo Pitti via internal passages and served as a safe refuge for the Grand Ducal family.

It remained a military site until the 1950s, when it was acquired by the Municipality of Florence with support from the Cassa di Risparmio and the Autonomous Tourism Board.

Superintendent Nello Bemporad oversaw its conversion, turning it into a true belvedere for the city. Since then, it has hosted major international art exhibitions, beginning with the landmark Henry Moore exhibition in 1972, which marked the beginning of the dialogue between contemporary art and the Florentine landscape.

From the Forte, one can enjoy a unique view of the city. What symbolic value does this perspective hold?

The view from Forte Belvedere is much more than a beautiful panorama – it’s a tool for reading and understanding the city. From here, you can see the entire historic centre – compact and monumental – as well as the city’s expansion out to the suburbs.

The Forte’s position also offers a clear view of the deep bond between Florence and its hilly surroundings: the skyline takes in San Miniato, Piazzale Michelangelo, Fiesole, the Arno, and the hills of the Oltrarno.

But what truly makes this place unique is also the route you take to reach it: today, the Forte is accessible not only from Costa San Giorgio but also through the Villa Bardini Garden, from which you can continue on to the Boboli Gardens, following a continuous route that ideally traces the ancient path of the Medici walls. This physical and visual connection fully restores the sense of Florence’s historical and urban continuity.

What can we expect this summer at the Forte? Can you share a preview?

The main project this season is called Firenze Forma Continua, developed with the Florentine Civic Museums, the Florence World Heritage and UNESCO Relations Office, and the University of Florence.

It’s an experiential exhibition that tells the story of the city’s urban development over time, using maps, interactive questions and in-depth insights into key moments of Florentine history – from its founding in 59 BCE, according to Roman tradition, to its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982. Visitors will be actively involved, divided into three categories – residents, city users and tourists – with the chance to interact directly with the map of the city.

The aim is to create a space for reflection and dialogue, encouraging greater urban awareness through a direct visual relationship with the city and surrounding hills.

Alongside the exhibition, there will be a new café and bookshop, both managed by the MUS.E Foundation. After 8 p.m., only the Palazzina and its terraces will remain open, hosting evening cultural events: concerts, talks, and lectures.

It’s a way to bring life to the Palazzina beyond regular opening hours, and to create an emotional connection between visitors and the city.