Florence - the former capital of the Italian Republic and the current - Tuscany, successfully combines the spirit of the Renaissance and a vibrant modern atmosphere. In fact, every corner of this amazing city is a historically significant place, and Florence Square is rightly called open-air museums. BlogoItaliano tried to make a list of the most significant areas of Florence, as well as to tell what they are significant.
Signoria Square
Signoria Square is the main square of Florence, its political center. It was here, in the Palace of Signoria, now called the Palazzo Vecchio, that the Council of the Republic met at one time, then the Council of Priorov, and now the municipality of Florence is located.
The entire space in front of the Vecchio palace is lined with sculptures by Donatello, Bandinelli, Gianboloni, Cellini, a copy of Michelangelovsky's “David” (the original is in the Academy Gallery).
In the center of Signoria Square is the Neptune Fountain, which is a sculptural group, above which stands a statue of Neptune himself, who controls the quadriga of horses.
In Signoria Square, holidays and tournaments have been held since ancient times
Signoria Square - this is the place where holidays and tournaments were held, as well as the conspirators were executed and heretics burned. Not far from the square, on the banks of the Arno River, is the Uffizi Gallery - the largest art museum in Florence and at the same time the most visited museum in Italy.
By the way, entrance tickets to the Palazzo Vecchio, the Uffizi Gallery and a number of other attractions of Florence can be bought in advance - via the Internet. This will help to significantly gain time, especially if you are passing through the capital of Tuscany. BlogoItaliano wrote about this in detail in article 10 of the sights of Florence, where you can buy tickets online.
Cathedral Square of Florence (Duomo)
The rather small Duomo Square, or Cathedral Square, is famous for its temple complex, which includes the Church of Santa Maria del Fiore, which is the fourth largest in the world, the Baptistery of San Giovanni and the bell tower Giotto, which rises 84 meters above the square.
The most ancient structure of the square is the Baptistery, the former temple of Mars, from which only fragments of the floor remained. The church is dedicated to John the Baptist - the main patron saint of Florence. At one time, the Baptistery was the main cathedral of the city, christenings were arranged here, as well as worthy citizens were buried.
Cathedral Square is famous for its temple complex
In ancient times Cathedral Square of Florence it looked a bit different: here stood the church of Santa Reparata - the first cathedral church, from which only the remains were preserved.
Along with Signoria Square, Cathedral Square is one of the most significant sights of the city available to tourists for free. A more detailed list of such places (and not only areas :)) BlogoItaliano collected here.
Republic Square
Republic Square - one of the central squares of Florence, which is the crossroads of the old Florentine streets of Karda and Decamanus. In ancient times, it was reserved for the Roman Forum, and in the Middle Ages it became part of the Old Market.
Republic Square acquired its modern look in 1887.
Its modern look Republic Square acquired after a grand reconstruction of 1887, which did not leave anything from its former appearance. The only surviving attraction is the Column of Abundance, erected in the 15th century by the famous sculptor Donatello.
Today the Republic Square is a huge space surrounded by noisy cafes and luxury hotels, a favorite place for musicians, magicians and circus performers to perform.
Santa Croce Square
Santa Croce Square, surrounded by ancient medieval buildings, is located near the Arno River, east of the main city square - Piazza Signoria. The name was given to her by the church of Santa Croce, decorated with the famous frescoes by Giotto. The church is famous for the fact that Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Galileo are buried in it.
In the 13th century, Santa Croce Square was the center of public life.
In the 13th century Piazza Santa Croce was the center of public life in Florence, but now it regularly hosts festivals, concerts, and rallies. In addition, the square hosts famous football matches, the participants of which dress in old medieval costumes.
Santissima Annunziata Square
Santissima Annunziata is the most beautiful square in Florence, designed by the architect Brunelleschi, commissioned by the Guild of Silk Traders.
The architectural ensemble of the square consists of three magnificent buildings - the church of Santissima Annunziata, which gave the name of the square, the Educational house for abandoned children and the portico of the Order of Servites.
Santissima Annunziata Square, Florence
The foundling home was the first shelter in Europe, where many abandoned babies, the fruits of the sin of noble gentlemen and their maids, found their refuge. On the second floor of the shelter is an art gallery and a collection of frescoes.
In the center Santissima Annunziata Square stands a statue of Ferdinand I of Medici by Jambolonha, as well as the fountains of Pietro Tacca, depicting sea monsters.
Santo Spirito Square
Piazza Santo Spirito (Holy Spirit) - very lively square of florence. The name was given to it by the eponymous church - one of the main buildings of the architect Brunelleschi. There used to be an Augustinian monastery on the site of the church, which burned down during a fire in the 15th century.
In the morning, the food market is open in the square, working from eight in the morning until two in the afternoon. On Sundays, you can buy antique gizmos, as well as various trinkets, which we already wrote about in more detail in the article Shopping in Florence: what and where to buy.
In summer time Santo Spirito Square becomes a venue for concerts and dances, and during football championships fans gather in the square to watch the match on a huge screen that is installed on the wall of the monastery of Santo Spirito.
Michelangelo Square
Piazzale Michelangelo is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Florence. The square is very well located - on top of a hill, from which you can enjoy stunning views of the historic city center: magnificent bridges and squares, cathedrals and the Arno River.
Piazzale Michelangelo is located on a hilltop
The square, bearing the name of the great Michelangelo, was designed by the architect Giuseppe Poggi, there are copies of the sculptor's most famous works made of bronze.
Michelangelo Square always filled with tents of souvenir dealers, as well as cars and tour buses.
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