Visiting the Piazzas of Florence

One of Florence's most visited city squares is the PIazza della Repubblica, which sits in the heart of the city center. Filled with cafes, spontaneous concerts, a carousel, and plenty of people, this active piazza is a great place to take a stroll with a gelato, stop for coffee, or just people-watch.

Located on the side of Via Roma, one of the city's best shopping streets, and Via del Corso which runs straight into the square, this piazza is used as a landmark, and meet-up place ofr many people coming and going. This historic square isn't as historic as most of the other piazzas in the city which mostly date back to the Renaissance or Medieval times. The Piazza della Repubblica, however, was built in the 19th century to spruce up the city while Florence was the capital for the brief period of 6 years. It used to be part of the Roman forum section of town, and then the Jewish Ghetto, all which was torn down to make way for a large avenue and grand square.

There are many things to do and see here, including visiting three of the famous cafes that line the edges: Caffé Gilli (on the north side, known for it's spendid window display of confectioneries), Caffé Paskowski (also on the north side and hosts live music in the evenings under the covered outdoor tables), and Caffé delle Giubbe Rosse (on the south side and home to historical photographs and memories of past artists and musicians meeting there). Along the western side along the porticos under the arch, is the bookshop Edison, and the main branch of the post office. During some weekdays there is a small flower market which sets up under the portico as well, and there are several newstands located there as well.

For a couple unique views of the piazza, take a spinning ride on the colorful carousel, or go up to the rooftop cafe in the Rinascente department store located on the corner where Via del Corso meets the piazza. Mostly you'll just find locals and other Italians at this cafe, as many tourists don't know it's up there...but it's a great way to get a view of the rooftops of the city.

Host to numerous festivals, activities, and events throughout the year, Piazza Santa Croce is one of the city's most active piazzas and home to some historical happenings. Located along Via de' Benci/Via Giuseppe Verdi, this spacious plaza flanks one of Florence's most remarkable basilicas by the same name. When you walk upon this square you're immediately struck with a small feeling of wonder as the history that's taken place here is undeniable.

The large sculpture of Dante stands proudly on the eastern side just in front of the Santa Croce church, which is home to the tombs and memorials of such great minds like Michelangelo, Machiavelli, and Galileo. Outside in the square, the sides are other historical landmarks like the Palazzo Cochi-Serristori, and the Palazzo dell'Antella with a facadeby San Giovanni.

During our year of living in Florence, we happened upon several events that took place here, like the annual Artisanal Chocolate Festival which takes place in January or February. Also many of the runs through the city like the annual Marathon end here with complete fanfare. During the time of Carnevale, there were several staged plays and music, as well as impromtu street performances. At Christmastime there is a German Christmas market which fills the square with rows and rows of food and craft vendors.

A famous Florentine tradition of the rough sport "Calcio storico" is played here and has been since the 16th century, although it was banned several years for stepping over the boundaries of civic fun, as too many people were sent to the hospital at the no-rules game of savage fighting alongside soccer. Now, it's a bit more tamed down, and the four teams dressed in the neighborhood colors of the four main quadrants of the city battle it out more for historic recollection than only to win.

No matter what time of the year you visit this beautiful city, take the time to stroll through this lovely piazza before or after you make one of the "must-see" stops into Santa Croce Basilica. You're sure to find something interesting to watch.

Piazza della Signoria is one of the most fascinating squares in the city, and rightfully so, as it's home to amazing sculptures, the main civic building, and intriguing history. Set in an odd shape and with side streets going off in every direction, this piazza lends itself as a center of bustling activity...tourists taking photos, horses carrying buggies, patrons enjoying outdoor cafes, and locals passing through on their way to work.

Located at the end of the main pedestrian thoroughfare, Via dei Calzaioli an just before the Uffizi Galleries and finally the Arno River, PIazza della Signoria is a plaza you'll indefinitely run into during your visit to Florence probably without even trying. You know you've arrived when you suddenly come to a very large open space with the castle-like Palazzo Vecchio towering above. This building has been home to the city's civic offices for centuries and continues to house many official offices today, along with a museum open to visitors.

Just outside the Palazzo are several noteworthy sculptures including the equestrian statue of the duke Cosimo I by Giambologna as well as the Neptune Fountain by Bartolomeo Ammannati. At the doors to the Palazzo is a copy of the famous David by Michelangelo, where the original once stood before it's move to the Accademia Gallery for better indoor preservation. Even though this copy has remained for decades, you'll still sure to see some tourists convinced it's the real thing and chatting amongst themselves in front of it.

To the south end of the piazza is the fabulous open air museum of the Loggia dei Lanzi built in the late 1300s. This arched platform area is open to stroll around in, and includes some amazing pieces like Cellini's bronze Perseus who holds Medusa's head and a copy of Giambologna's Rape of the Sabines (which was moved to the Accademia for restoration). Be sure not to lean or sit on the walls of this loggia as you'll be politely told to get down by the guard on duty. Although it is easy to forget this part is more of a museum than the other ledges throughout the piazza that are open for sitting.

Be sure to find the large round plaque on the ground in front of the Neptune Fountain. This marks the place where the the purist Savonarola was hanged and burned to death in 1498 when the tides changed against him. Just several months earlier in that very spot, he and his followers carried out the Bonfire of the Vanities, where they burned piles of books, luxury items like vanities mirrors and dressed, as well as gambling and gaming tables. You can learn a lot more about him at the San Marco museum where his cell was.

Before heading out of the plaza, make a stop at Rivoire, the cafe there famous for it's hot chocolate. You'll pay a pretty penny for a seat in the outdoor section, but for a little splurge, it's worth it for a view of the active city square.

Just down Via dei Servi from the side of the Duomo in the city center of Florence, Italy is a wonderful piazza that some have called one of the city's most beautiful. Flanked by lovely arches on several of the facades designed by Brunelleschi. Although this piazza is full of historical significance and buildings to see, it never feels overwhelmed with people, and is a nice open place to enjoy a sandwich on the side steps.

Entering the plaza from Via dei Servi you'll be welcomed immediately from the plaza's star starring straight ahead. The Basilica della Santissima Annunziata is a church which doesn't initially hit you as the look of a church, but rather matches the other palazzi around town with the loggia of arches along the facade. There's a wooden door in the center, and you can take a look inside at the extensive church which was founded in 1250, built in the 1400s, and finished with the current facade in 1601.

On the east side of the piazza is the famous Ospedale degli Innocenti (Hospital of the Innocents), commissioned and designed by Brunelleschi in 1419. Noted by many architecture and art critics as one of the most notable examples of early Renaissance work in the country. This facade also boasts a loggia with nine arches and also has blue decorative circles with white ceramic designs of babies on them. This hospital also served as a makeshift orphanage as well during the years, and now houses a museum for tourists.

Across the plaza from the hospital is the Loggia dei Servi di Maria, which today serves as a hotel. This was designed by Antonio da Sangallo the Elder in the early 1500s and also has a similar arched design as the hospital and basilica. Finally in the center is a fountain with sea creatures that spit out water on either side, and also a large bronze statue of Ferdinand I by Giambologna. On your way again to the center walk back down Via dei Servi for one of my favorite views of the Duomo rising above the buildings.

Probably the most notable square in Florence is that of the Piazza del Duomo. Mainly because it sits next to, and is named after, the city's most famous landmark - the church of Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as "Il Duomo". In the daytimes in this square, one can always find a bustling of activity, from organized festival demonstrations to just endless groups of tourists milling about.

This piazza adjoins another square, the PIazza San Giovanni, and are sometimes referred to as one. Combining these two plazas, one can see the Duomo, baptistry, belltower, and several noteworthy buildings including the Palazzo della Misericordia, Loggia del Bigallo, and the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo. At the southern edge many people use this main pedestrian thoroughfare, Via Calzaiuoli as a route in between the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria. On this corner is the Loggia del BIgallo which was built in the mid 1300s and houses a small museum which periodically is open to show various exhibits. This corner is also usually filled with horse and buggies ready to be rented for a ride around town.

From here, look to your left along the side of the Duomo and you'll see the ambulance parking and then long rows of souvenir vendor stands and caricature portrait artists. Continue along this way towards the dome side of the church and at the end you'll see the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo where many of the church's original artworks are stored. As you come back up towards the church entrance on the other side you'll pass the side entrance for those wanting to climb to the top of the dome (highly recommended).

Back at the front of the Duomo, you'll be facing the famous Baptistry with the bronze doors. There are plenty of cafes and little shops around these piazzas, although many are quite touristy, and may not be worth your stop. If you happen to be in the city during the holidays or special anniversaries of the region, you may happen upon various demonstrations. There's the procession of wise men on January 6 for Epiphany, then the "Explosion of the Cart" on Easter morning, plus several celebrations for the city which involve the regional flag throwers and drummers!

No matter when you visit, there will always be something to see in the plaza, and you'll definitely get to see it as you can't visit Florence without visiting the Duomo.