Paris had Haussmann, Rome had Valadier, Florence had Poggi. These men changed the looks of their respective cities.
I spend a lot of time on the Viale dei Colli, the gorgeous drive through the hills to the south of the city of Florence. This is where you will find Piazzale Michelangelo (designed by Poggi) as well as the Rose Garden, San Miniato al Monte, Forte Belvedere and so much more. Poggi linked all of these sites along his magnificent Viale, which was then covered with expensive villas by wealthy citizens.
This map shows in dark blue the overall range of the Viale dei Colli. 
hhisThis picture shows a hairpin turn within the Viale. 
This is a drawing or early photo of the layout of the Viale. 
An early photo of Poggi’s grottoesque water feature leading into the Oltrarno from the Viale. 
The Viale in the 19th century. 
A drawing of the Michelangelo design placed in the Piazzale. 
Someone should write a book in English about this gorgeous Viale and its fascinating history!
get back, lauretta! 