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“Piazza” means “Square” in Italian and it has always played an important role in Florentine history. Since many centuries ago people liked to meet with each other or go for a coffee in the squares in the city center. Explore the most beautiful and important piazzas in Florence to experience the spirit of the renaissance city.

Photo by ccblaisdell

Piazza del Duomo
One of the most beautiful squares in Florence, Piazza del Duomo, is always full of tourists. It is located in the historical city center. The Florentine Duomo – Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral is to be found here. It is the fourth biggest cathedral in Europe with the cupola built by Brunelleschi. Next to the Duomo is the Campanile (Bell Tower) designed by Giotto and across the Duomo the Battistero (Baptistery).

Piazza della Signoria
This is the most important square in the history of the Florentine Republic. The L-shaped square is shared with the Palazzo Vechhio, Loggia della Signoria and the Uffizi Gallery and it still maintains its reputation as a political and cultural spot. When visiting this beautiful square, note also the replica of Michelangelo’s David in front of the Palazzo Vecchio and the statue “Perseus with the Head of Medusa” by Cellini.

Piazza della Repubblica
Piazza della Repubblica is located in the center of Florence and many boutique cafés, restaurants and shops can be found here. One of the cafés, the Giubbe Rosse was the meeting point for famous Futurism artists and writers. Its appearance today is a result of the 19^th century city planning, when after the Italian unification Florence became the capital of Italy.

Piazza Santa Croce
This square is located in the city center near the National Central Library. It is dominated by the Santa Croce Cathedral which is also known as The Temple of the Italian Glories, because many famous Italian artists were buried here: Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Galilei, Alberti, Ghiberti, Bartolini and others. On the right side of the Santa Croce Cathedral is a statue of Dante, the Italian poet of the Middle Ages who wrote the world famous Divine Comedy.

Piazzale Michelangelo
This square with a magnificent view of the whole of Florence is situated in the Oltrarno district on a hill. It was designed by Giuseppe Poggi in the 1860’ as a tribute to one of the biggest Florentine artists, Michelangelo Buonarotti. Piazzale Michelangelo is a sqaure always full of locals and tourists admiring not only the view of the city, but also a bronze copy of the David statue by Michelangelo.

Piazza Santo Spirito
A piazza in the Oltrarno district near the Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens. It is the day and night spot for young people, especially foreigners, living or studying in the city. In the middle of the square is a small fountain and the square is dominated by the Santo Spirito Church.

Hotels in Florence

Pensione Canada
Average Price: €18
Average Rating: 8.7

Hotel Boccaccio
Average Price: €50
Average Rating: 8.7

Grand Hotel Mediterraneo
Average Price: €60
Average Rating: 8.3