Piazza della Signoria

Square in Florence

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Cezar Suceveanu

Piazza della Signoria has been the political heart of Florence since the Middle Ages, a testament to the city’s rich urban planning history that dates back to 1268. Its origin lies in the Guelphs’ decision to demolish the headquarters of their rival party, the Ghibellines, after regaining control over the city.

Against the wall of the Uffizi, which forms one end of the piazza, is the Loggia dei Lanzi, an outdoor sculpture gallery with several notable pieces. The Loggia houses an impressive group of sculptures, including Cellini’s masterpiece ‘Perseus’ and Giambologna’s ‘The Rape of the Sabine Women,’ delighting visitors with their artistic splendor.

Standing in front of Palazzo Vecchio, a copy of Michelangelo’s renowned ‘David‘ stands guard. Originally known as ‘Palazzo della Signoria,’ the palace served as the traditional seat of the Florentine government, and its distinctive tower has become an enduring symbol of the city. Designed by Arnolfo di Cambio and completed in 1299, the interior of Palazzo Vecchio features rich decorations by Vasari. The palace is also connected to Palazzo Pitti via the Vasari Corridor, which once served as an escape route for the Medici family.

Towards the southern side of the square lies the illustrious Uffizi Gallery, designed and built by Vasari in the 16th century under the patronage of Cosimo I de’ Medici. In rooms 7-25, visitors can admire masterpieces like Botticelli’s ‘The Birth of Venus,’ Titian’s ‘The Venus of Urbino,’ Michelangelo’s ‘The Doni Tondo,’ and Raphael’s portraits of the dukes of Urbino, among other important works of art. The Uffizi Gallery is a treasure trove of artistic brilliance that continues to enchant visitors from around the world.

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

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