Those who book one of our luxury villas in Florence will likely have a long list of tourist attractions to visit and things to see and do while in this magical gem of a city in Tuscany. However, we also recommend just taking the time to walk around and soak it all up. Simply wandering about the city is a delight in its own right because as you explore Florence on foot, you will be able to appreciate and closely admire its grand architecture and artistic treasures from magnificent palaces turned into museums, to its stunning churches brimming with art, to its lush gardens once privately owned by nobles and now opened to the public, to its picturesque piazzas with fountains and statues by famous artists and historic restaurants and cafés. Florence really is a feast for the eyes! And one stunning piazza that really shouldn't be missed during a vacation in Tuscany is the Piazza della Repubblica.
This charming square is the perfect place to sit out for a breather and a spot of people-watching while enjoying a coffee as you explore the city. Grand and elegant, it is, however, a reminder of what has been lost. The piazza is build over the site of the city's ancient forum, marked by the Column of Abundance. In the Middle Ages, this area around the column became densely packed with markets, tabernacles, and churches. It was, in fact, the heart of the city. Under Cosimo I de’ Medici, this part of the city became the Jewish Ghetto and all Jewish residents were forced to live there. Then, during the Risanamento, a period of redevelopment in the 19th century, the area that had forcefully been made their home was, “cleaned up,” and priceless architectural features such as medieval towers, churches, houses, workshops, and the original seats of several of the city's historic guilds were all destroyed. The present piazza, while sophisticated and impressive, was built over this vibrant part of Florence that had existed for centuries.
Despite this, it is a beautiful square and there is plenty to enjoy and admire. It is dotted with historic coffee shops like the iconic Caffé Gilli, Caffé Paskowski, and Caffé delle Giubbe Rosse, where prominent writers and artists gathered, including the Futurists. Gems like the Hotel Savoy on Via Roma and the central Post Office (tucked away under the arches of the portico extending from the square's Triumphal Arch), can also be admired. Furthermore, the piazza is still a hub of Florentine life. On Thursday mornings between September and June, the piazza is alive with colourful blooms as it hosts a weekly flower market and on the first Saturday of each month (except January, July, and August) it is home to the vibrant Il Mercatale farmers market that sees around 90 different local farmers and artisans come to sell their goods. Musicians and street performers are often found in the square as well and, during Christmas, the piazza is made even more lovely by the addition of a giant Christmas tree and lights. The antique carousel is an ever-present fixture beloved by children looking to ride it and adults to photograph it.
So, if you're staying in one of our a vacation rentals in Florence, be sure to head to the Piazza della Repubblica to soak up the atmosphere and admire the charms of the capital during a holiday in Tuscany.
