Piazza della Repubblica, Florence

Square in Florence

Piazza della Repubblica Florence
Piazza della Repubblica Florence
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Aude

Piazza della Repubblica is one of the best places to visit in Florence, standing at the exact heart of the city where Florence's ancient Roman Forum once stood. Today, the square is framed by grand 19th-century architecture, lively cafés, and street performers-but beneath its polished façade lies more than two millennia of history. It is also a great place to visit on a walking tour of Florence, as nearly every era of the city's identity is reflected in this single space.

At its center rises the Colonna dell'Abbondanza, the Column of Abundance, marking the historic midpoint of Florentia, the Roman city. This column also symbolically divides three of Florence's four ancient districts-Santa Croce, San Giovanni, and Santa Maria Novella-while Santo Spirito lies across the Arno. Legends, markets, civic life, and elegant cafés have all shaped Piazza della Repubblica, making it one of the top attractions in Florence for both its history and atmosphere.

History and Significance of Piazza della Repubblica

The origins of the piazza date back to the Roman era, when this spot served as the city’s forum-the civic, political, and commercial heart of Florentia. For centuries, it remained a bustling market and a focal point of daily life. The Column of Abundance marked the symbolic centre of the city, and its placement continues to define the intersection of Florence’s historic neighbourhoods.

This square also has its share of legends. One famous tale from 1245 tells of St. Peter Martyr preaching to a crowd when the devil, disguised as a fierce black horse, galloped wildly through the marketplace. St. Peter raised his hand and quelled the creature with the sign of the cross, causing it to vanish instantly. To commemorate this event, Bernardo Vecchietti later commissioned Giambologna to sculpt a bronze standard-bearer shaped like a devil, still visible today on a corner between Via Vecchietti and Via Strozzi.

The piazza's modern appearance emerged during the late 19th-century “Risanamento,” when Florence served as the capital of the Kingdom of Italy. Medieval buildings, old alleys, and towers were cleared to create a wide, open square lined with grand cafés and refined architecture. The legendary Caffè Le Giubbe Rosse became a gathering place for writers, artists, and intellectuals, cementing Piazza della Repubblica as a centre of cultural and social life.

Things to See and Do in Piazza della Repubblica

At the centre of the square, the Column of Abundance is the key historical landmark. The statue atop it has been replaced over time, but the column remains the ancient marker of Florence’s geographic core.

Visitors can stroll through the large, open plaza, enjoy street performances, or relax at one of the historic cafés that line its edges. Caffè Le Giubbe Rosse, though transformed over the years, still evokes the atmosphere of early 20th-century literary Florence, when artists of the Futurist movement gathered for lively debates.

The piazza is also known for its grand triumphal-style arch, which marks the entrance to the square and symbolises Florence’s 19th-century urban expansion. Seasonal events, outdoor exhibitions, markets, and evening musicians often add energy to the space.

For those who love photography, the blend of old and new-from the Roman centre to the Renaissance streets radiating around it-makes this piazza endlessly engaging.

How to Get to Piazza della Repubblica

Florence Airport, Peretola, provides tram and taxi connections to the historic centre. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Florence on Booking.com.

Santa Maria Novella train station is just a 10-minute walk from the piazza, making it very accessible for travellers. Use Omnio to easily compare schedules, book train tickets, and find the best prices all in one place for a hassle-free journey across Italy.

Driving is discouraged due to the ZTL restricted zones; parking outside the centre and continuing by foot or taxi is recommended. If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting Piazza della Repubblica

  • Suggested tips: Visit in the evening to enjoy the piazza’s lights, atmosphere, and live music.
  • Best time to visit: Late afternoon or evening for a lively yet relaxed ambiance.
  • Entrance fee in Euros: Free public square.
  • Opening hours: Open at all times.
  • Official website: Not applicable.
  • How long to spend: 20-60 minutes, depending on café stops.
  • Accessibility: Fully accessible on flat ground.
  • Facilities: Numerous cafés, shops, and public seating.
  • Photography tip: Capture the triumphal arch at dusk for warm, golden lighting.
  • Guided tours: Included in many city walking tours.
  • Nearby food options: Excellent cafés and trattorias around Via degli Strozzi and Via Roma.

Where to Stay close to Piazza della Repubblica

For a classic Florentine stay overlooking the square, consider Hotel Savoy. A boutique option nearby is Hotel Brunelleschi, offering refined rooms steps from the Duomo. Another convenient choice is Hotel Pendini, with traditional décor and unbeatable location.

Is Piazza della Repubblica Worth Visiting?

Yes. Piazza della Repubblica is a vibrant, historic crossroads where ancient Roman origins meet 19th-century grandeur and everyday Florentine life. Whether you're sipping coffee at a historic café or simply passing through on a stroll, it offers a memorable glimpse into the city's evolving identity.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (26,884)

Piazza della Repubblica in Florence is a pedestrianized square lined with elegant cafés and surrounded by shops and restaurants, often lively at all hours; visitors recommend sipping coffee on outdoor terraces, watching street performers or singing, and enjoying the traditional merry-go-round, while noting nearby leather stalls and high-end shops for shopping (and to haggle on prices), and warning about aggressive street vendors selling paintings who may try to demand payment if you step on their wares.

Gohan4
a week ago
"Beautiful place to just walk around and take in the atmosphere here and watch the world go by. Lots of people take wedding photos here noted NiceXmas tree which lights up at 5pm..."
Richard v. Lauenstein
a month ago
"Hi there, An absolutely stu ing place, you will find lots of street shops selling great leather products surrounding the Piazza . Just watch out andnever close a deal at the first offer. Restaurants here are a little bit pricey like all touristic attractions in Italy. Cheers..."
Guliola Lena
2 months ago
"Piazza della Repubblica, is one of the largest and most historically significant squares in Florence. It is considered the beating heart of theTuscan capital, where past and present meet and life rages at any hour of the day or night. It is surrounded by ancient buildings and narrow streets dating back to the Middle Ages and Renaissance, as well as cozy cafés and luxurious restaurants with outdoor terraces where you can sip a cup of aromatic Italian coffee while watching the hundreds of tourists pass by. Definitely recommend..."

FAQs for Visiting Piazza della Repubblica

The column is historic, though the statues have been replaced over time.
Yes, it often features musicians, entertainers, and bustling café terraces.
Yes-its atmosphere, architecture, and proximity to major landmarks make it a natural gathering point.

Nearby Attractions to Piazza della Repubblica

  • Duomo Complex - Cathedral, Bell Tower, and Baptistery nearby.
  • Via Tornabuoni - Luxury shopping street filled with elegant palaces.
  • Orsanmichele - Gothic church and former grain market.
  • Palazzo Strozzi - Renaissance palace hosting major exhibitions.
  • Piazza della Signoria - Florence's historic political centre.

The Piazza della Repubblica appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Florence!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Address: Piazza della Repubblica, Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy
Florence: 0 km

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