Piazza della Signoria Florence

Main square with famous statues in Florence, near Palazzo Vecchio

Piazza della Signoria is the most beautiful and main square in the center of Florence (Firenz). Famous statues, Palazzo Vecchio, a replica of the David and the fountain of Neptune.

The main square in the heart of Florence

The Piazza della Signoria has been the political and social heart of Florence for many years. There have been several parlamentos, public gatherings, and it is a well-known place, where you as a tourist can simply stroll around and enjoy all the beautiful things that are in the square. In the Piazza della Signoria you will find the well-known loggia with statues that recall important events in the city and important myths. You will also find the Fountain of Neptune, the entrance to the Palazzo Vecchio, the replica of David, the famous bronze equestrian statue and the Gucci museum. Furthermore, the image gallery of the famous Uffizi Gallery is adjacent to the Piazza della Signoria square.

^{The sculpture gallery Loggia dei Lanzi}

^{Equestrian statue in front of Palazzo Vecchio in Piazza della Signoria}

The Palazzo Vecchio

Politically, the city's most important palace also has its entrance from Piazza della Signoria. ThePalazzo Vecchio used to be the seat of political power and still houses the city council of Florence. Today it is mainly known as a museum, with the Salone dei Cinquecento being the main attraction. Although the front of the Palazzo is quite stately with its brick facade, you can also find a republican frieze above the entrance, which reads Christ is king. This emphasized that no earthly ruler has absolute power. In front of the entrance you will also find the copy of Michelangelo's David from 1873 (the real one is in the Galleria dell'Accademia). You will also find a copy of the Marzocco, the lion of Florence made by Donatello in 1420.

More Palazzo Vecchio

The history of Florence

On the Piazza della Signoria is Orcagna's famous loggia, the Loggia dei Lanzi. The loggia is named after the lancers, Cosimo I's bodyguards who stayed in the loggia. The space was built in the fourteenth century, which is striking since it was built with Romanesque arches, while the Gothic arches were very popular during this period.

^{Replica of the famous 'David' for Palazzo Vecchio}

^{The sculpture gallery 'Loggia dei Lanzi' at Piazza della Signoria}

The famous statues of Loggia dei Lanzi

Nowadays the loggia in Florence is a public sculpture gallery, containing statues depicting ancient Greek myths. The fighting figures in this statue are made from a single piece of marble. A second well-known statue is Cellini's Perseus. This image shows Perseus holding up Medusa's severed head. This acted as a warning to the enemies of Cosimo I. Other famous sculptures of the Loggia dei lanzi are: Hercules defeats Centaur by Giambologna and The Robbery of Polyxena by Pio Fedi.

^{Perseus and Medusa by Benvenuto Cellini}

^{The Neptune Fountain at the main square}

Fontana di Nettuno

The Neptune fountain at Piazza della Signoria Florence was created by Bartolomeo Ammannati in 1575 and represents the Roman sea god surrounded by his water nymphs, Neptune being made of marble and the nymphs made of bronze. The fountain symbolized Tuscan victories at sea. The statue at Piazza della Signoria was made for the wedding of Francesco de Medici and Joanna of Austria. A fun fact is that Neptune bears the face of Cosimo I, which you can also find in the equestrian statue that is further down the square. This enormous bronze equestrian statue is by Giambologna, who worked at the court of the Medici.

Where is the Piazza della Signoria located in Florence?