Piazza della Signoria
Florence's political centre and open-air sculpture gallery. The Palazzo Vecchio tower, the Loggia dei Lanzi, and a copy of Michelangelo's David frame the most classic Renaissance square.
Piazza della Signoria has been the political centre of the Florentine Republic since the 14th century. On its east side stand the Palazzo Vecchio and the 94-metre Torre d'Arnolfo, and in front of its entrance is a replica of Michelangelo's David (the original was moved to the Galleria dell'Accademia in 1873). On the south side, the Loggia dei Lanzi is open to the public free of charge. It displays masterpieces including Cellini's bronze Perseus and Giambologna's Rape of the Sabine Women, making it an open-air sculpture gallery. The square also has the Fountain of Neptune and an equestrian statue of Cosimo I. A plaque in the pavement marks the spot where Savonarola was burned at the stake in 1498.
The square is open all day at no cost and is right next to the entrance to the Uffizi. The Ponte Vecchio is a 3-minute walk away. Go early in the morning, when there are fewer people, to photograph the sculptures. Watch out for pickpockets.
Opening hours
Open all day; the Mercenaries' Loggia is free
Nearby sights
- Palazzo Vecchio
- Uffizi Gallery
- Museo Galileo
- Bargello National Museum
- Ponte Vecchio
- Giotto's Campanile
- Florence Cathedral (Duomo)
- Medici Chapels & Basilica of San Lorenzo