Summary of Significant Squares in Florence
In addition to being gathering spots for locals and tourists, many of the public squares or piazzas of Florence are outdoor galleries. Explore these spaces yourself with this list of some of the most significant squares in Florence and what you will find in them.
Piazza della Signoria
Florence’s most historically significant square, the Piazza della Signoria has long been a gathering place for Florentines and visitors. In the shadow of the Palazzo Vecchio, the wide square has been a site for political rallies, festivals, and for the infamous “Bonfire of the Vanities” during the 15th century. Several beautiful statues from the Renaissance era decorate the Piazza della Signoria, making it next to one of Florence’s most important attractions, the Uffizi Gallery.
Piazza del Duomo
This square is relatively small in terms of walking space, as it is largely occupied by the cathedral complex that includes the Duomo, Baptistery, and Campanile. Adjacent to Piazza del Duomo, and often considered part of the square, is Piazza San Giovanni. The Baptistery, one of the oldest buildings in Florence, technically sits in Piazza San Giovanni, which is why this district is also known as the San Giovanni quarter.
Piazza della Repubblica
The Piazza della Repubblica is a vast space surrounded by bustling (and expensive) cafés and chic hotels. The square sits in the historical center of the city, just a few blocks from the Duomo and at the intersection of two ancient Roman roads, the Cardo and the Decumanus. Unfortunately, there are no ancient or medieval remains in this piazza, as it was restructured in the 19th century when Florence briefly became the capital of a unified Italy. However, a charming carousel in the square provides entertainment for children.
Piazza Santa Croce
East of Piazza della Signoria and not far from the banks of the Arno, Piazza Santa Croce is one of the largest squares in Florence. It regularly hosts festivals, concerts, and rallies, including the exciting Calcio Storico match, which involves locals playing soccer in traditional dress. Moreover, surrounded by medieval buildings, the prominent Franciscan basilica of Santa Croce stands at one end, making the piazza a focal point of civic life since the 13th century.
Piazza Santissima Annunziata
A relatively small square, Piazza Santissima Annunziata is tucked into the northeastern quadrant of the city near San Marco and the Accademia. Named after the 13th-century church of the same name, the piazza is particularly beautiful due to the harmonious arcades defined by both the Santissima Annunziata church and the Ospedale degli Innocenti, a 15th-century hospital/orphanage designed by Brunelleschi. The latter also contains a small picture gallery on its upper floor, adorned with round terracotta reliefs by Andrea della Robbia. In the center of the square stands an equestrian statue of Grand Duke Ferdinand I, created by Giambologna, along with two fountains designed by Pietro Tacca.
Piazza Santo Spirito
Piazza Santo Spirito is named after the Santo Spirito church but derives its character from the lively cafés and markets that populate the square. Located on the Oltrarno (across the Arno) side of Florence, Piazza Santo Spirito is cherished by locals for its daily food market, open from 8 am to 2 pm, and its relatively non-touristy bars, restaurants, and cafés. Additionally, on Sundays, the square hosts a second-hand market featuring antiques and other unique items, while occasional live music can be enjoyed during the summer.
Piazzale Michelangelo
High above the city, Piazzale Michelangelo is an essential stop for coach tours of Florence. The square provides a fantastic panoramic view of the city along with a replica of Michelangelo’s David statue. Despite this, the area is often crowded with souvenir vendors and a significant amount of vehicle traffic.
