Piazza della Signoria in Florence, Italy is the city's main square. It is so-called due to the fact that it is in front of the Palazzo Vecchio, the town hall, which was originally called the Palazzo della Signoria (the name of the Medieval and Renaissance government of Florence). The piazza is a focal point of the historical area of Florence and remains the political heart of the city. For tourists, it makes for a great starting point from which to begin your explorations of Florence and a fulcrum about which you can rotate for the duration of your stay. Find a luxury holiday villa in Florence and you can start your adventure.
The piazza is dominated by the intimidating structure that gave it its name. The Palazzo Vecchio, built in the 14th century, is a massive crenellated Romanesque fortified palace. It was designed by the architect, Arnolfo di Cambio, who also worked on the Duomo (cathedral) and church of Santa Croce. The imposing tower above, the Torre D'Arnolfo is named for the architect. A replica of Michelangelo's “David” stands at the entrance, where the original was first placed.
A visit to the Palazzo Vecchio will not only let you take in the architecture and David but will also allow you to explore Roman excavations beneath the building, museum, collections of art and the tower.
A visit to the Palazzo Vecchio will not only let you take in the architecture and David but will also allow you to explore Roman excavations beneath the building, museum, collections of art and the tower.
Another must-see in the piazza is the Loggia del Lanzi. The building is open on two sides with large arches and contains important examples of ancient and Renaissance sculptures inside. Essentially, it is an open-air gallery and gives the passer-by the opportunity to see wonderful works of art any time of the day or year for free. Particularly famous works include Cellini's marble statue of Perseus. The image shows the Greek hero, an example of the Renaissance idealised male nude, holding a sword in one hand and the head of Medusa aloft in the other. Another iconic work is Giambologna's “Rape of the Sabine Women”. The Mannerist marble piece is the first European multi-figure sculpture conceived without a dominant viewpoint and can be admired from all angles.
From the piazza, it is but a short walk to the likes of the Uffizi Gallery and the whole square is filled with other wonderful palaces to be admired. The Fountain of Neptune at the heart of the square is also an iconic sight. Whether you are casually walking through, determined to see everything or just trying to find somewhere to enjoy a coffee, the Piazza della Signoria won't let you down – make sure you stop by if you are ever in Florence.
From the piazza, it is but a short walk to the likes of the Uffizi Gallery and the whole square is filled with other wonderful palaces to be admired. The Fountain of Neptune at the heart of the square is also an iconic sight. Whether you are casually walking through, determined to see everything or just trying to find somewhere to enjoy a coffee, the Piazza della Signoria won't let you down – make sure you stop by if you are ever in Florence.
