Piazza della Repubblica

Piazza della Repubblica

This entry of the new UNESCO youth blog highlights what was the first piazza in Florence and is now the heart of the Florentine historic center, Piazza della Repubblica. This piazza is one of the most prominent in Florence, being at the center of the historic district, making it likely you will stumble upon it during your travels, even if you were not specifically looking for it. For these reasons, Piazza della Repubblica is a logical place to stop and find when  trying to gather your bearings and to know something about, as you will most likely cross through it several times during any trip to Florence.

History of Piazza della Repubblica

As mentioned earlier, Piazza della Repubblica was the first square in Florence, with origins that can be traced back to the Roman forum that was present on the site in the ancient city of Florentia. Standing on the eastern edge of the square (furthest away from the large arch and facing it), you can still see the main axes of the Roman camp with the north-south running to you left and right and the east-west axis running from under the arch to behind you.

During the Middle Ages, the Piazza became home to the main market in Florence until the 16^th Century when a larger market was completed just two block south (closer to the river and Ponte Vecchio), and thus the area became known as Mercato Vecchio or Old Market. At this time however the square was not nearly as large as it appears today. The Mercato Vecchio was small and rectangular; choked with market stalls, shrines, churches, and home to the Jewish Ghetto complete with two synagogues, one Florentine and one Spanish. The only remnant from this original square today is the Colonna dell'Abbondanza or Column of Abundance which is located in the north-eastern part of the square.

The Piazza della Repubblica that you see today began to take shape after the unification of Italy and the proclamation of Florence as capital of Italy. Plans were then made to widen the square and to clear out many of the buildings that had been unchanged from the Medieval period. In their place were built the large palazzoni (literally- palaces) you see today. The large portico with the 'triumphal arch’ on the west side of the square was constructed  at the end of the 19^th Century as well, and carries the inscription “L'ANTICO CENTRO DELLA CITTÀ; DA SECOLARE SQUALLORE; A VITA NUOVA RESTITUITO” which translates to ‘The ancient center of the city; restored from old-age squalor; to new life.

Things to See and Do in/near Piazza della Repubblica

So now that you know a little something about the square, you can fully appreciate all the things that are concentrated in and around this important spot.

·          Take a ride on the carousel

o    Located  in a ‘can’t miss spot’ in the center of the square, a ride on the carousel is a fun diversion from a frantic afternoon of sightseeing and map-reading. One ticket for an adult costs €1.50 .

·         Edison Bookstore

o   Forget you Florence guide in the car at the airport? Don’t sweat it as Edison carries guide books in English and several other languages in addition to Italian. Guide books are located on the very top floor. Edison is located underneath the portico on the west side of the square, to the right of the large arch.

 ·         Bronze Florence Diorama

o   Located in the square close to Edison, this 3-D map can be useful to gain your bearings and figure out which other sites to visit next.

·         Caffè Gilli

o   Located on the north-west corner of the square, Caffè Gilli is a great place to get a cafè, sit out on the square and people watch. It is on the expensive side, but the pastries and cakes are among the best in the city.

·         Market Stalls/Vendors/Artisans

o   Almost every day, during daylight hours, there will be stalls set up on the eastern side of the square selling leather goods and Florence souvenirs. In addition, many artisans set up shop around  this location, creating caricatures and paintings right in front of you. At night in the square there is usually a musical performer or group in the center near the carousel. If you are lucky, you may catch an opera singer underneath the portico near the arch using the acoustics to make their voice carry throughout the square.

·         Cinema Odeon

o   Just two blocks off the square is Cinema Odeon, an 85 year old theatre located in Palazzo Strozzino which was built in 1462. The cinema is not only home to theater and film festivals but also shows Hollywood productions in English.

Practical Information

·         If you are looking for an ATM (bancomat) near the square there is one located on Via Pellicceria. Simply walk towards the arch and when you hit the street in front of the arch, hang a left and walk until you see it on the left side, just past Caffé Le Giubbe Rosse.

·         The central post office for Florence is also located on Via Pellicceria. Just walk down the street and it will be under the portico on the right hand side. Look for the red mailboxes outside the door.

  o   When sending mail in Florence, be sure to put your letter in the correct slot. Most mailboxes (marked Poste) will have two slots, one on the left marked (per la citta’) is for inter-city mail, while the one on the right will say per tutte le alter destinazioni or all other destinations. Unless you are sending something locally, be sure to use the slot on the right.

·         Intertravel Viaggi is a travel agency located just off the square on Via de’ Lamberti. Intertravel can book train tickets for you, sometimes at a 15% or 30%  discount off normal rates, depending on how far in advance you book. Simply walk down Via Pellicceria past the ATM and Via de’ Lamberti will be your second left.