Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
7
Piazza della Signoria
PIAZZA
Edged by historic cafes, crammed with Renaissance sculptures and presided over by
magnificent Palazzo Vecchio, this photogenic piazza has been the hub of local life for
centuries. Early evening and all day at weekends, Florentines indulge in the sacrosanct
passeggiata
(early evening stroll), breaking for a coffee, hot chocolate or
aperitivo
, per-
haps at the city's most famous cafe, Caffè Rivoire (
Click here
)
.
(Piazza della Signoria)
8
Piazza della Repubblica
The site of a Roman forum and heart of medieval Florence, this busy civic space was cre-
ated in the 1880s as part of a controversial plan of 'civic improvements' involving the de-
molition of the old market, Jewish ghetto and slums, and the relocation of nearly 6000
residents. These days it's best known for its historic cafes.
PIAZZA
9
Loggia dei Lanzi
Home to sculptures such as Giambologna's
Rape of the Sabine Women,
Benvenuto
Cellini's bronze
Perseus
and Agnolo Gaddi's
Seven Virtues,
this loggia owes its name to
the Lanzichenecchi (Swiss bodyguards) of Cosimo I, who were stationed here. The
present-day guards live up to this heritage, sternly monitoring crowd behaviour and
promptly banishing food or drink.
(Piazza della Signoria; admission free)
MUSEUM
Local Life
Passeggiata
Nothing is more sacrosanct to Italians than the
passeggiata
(early evening stroll). In Florence, follow the lovely
trail from the
duomo
(cathedral) to the city's most elegant square, Piazza delle Signoria. Or head to the upmarket
