Signoria Square

Piazza della Signoria in Florence is a place that embodies centuries of history, art, and politics, making it one of the focal points of the city. Located in the heart of medieval Florence, the square has ancient origins dating back to the Neolithic period and later became a central area in the Roman city, hosting thermal baths and industrial structures. The name of the square comes from the Palazzo della Signoria, now known as Palazzo Vecchio, built between 1299 and 1314 to house the Priors of the Arts, the representatives of the professional guilds that governed the city. The architect Arnolfo di Cambio designed the palace, which served as a model for future public buildings in Tuscany. The Arnolfo Tower, standing at 95 meters, is an example of architectural boldness, being aligned with the protruding balcony instead of being central. During the 14th century, the square became the center of Florentine political life, contrasting with the religious center of Piazza del Duomo and the market of Piazza della Repubblica. During this period, the Tribunal of Merchandise and the Loggia della Signoria were built, the latter intended for public ceremonies and speeches. The Loggia dei Lanzi, as it is also known, over time became an open-air museum of sculptures from the Medici collection, featuring works such as Benvenuto Cellini’s Perseus and Giambologna’s Rape of the Sabine Women. The square is also famous for its public executions, including that of Girolamo Savonarola in 1498, who was hanged and burned for heresy. Another key figure is Cosimo I de’ Medici, whose power is symbolically represented by the equestrian statue by Giambologna. Bartolomeo Ammannati’s Fountain of Neptune, completed in 1575, is another landmark of the square, although it was not enthusiastically received by the Florentines, who nicknamed it “Il Biancone.” The current layout of the square dates back to the 19th century, with neorenaissance interventions such as the Palazzo delle Assicurazioni Generali, which houses the historic café Rivoire. Piazza della Signoria is surrounded by buildings of great historical and architectural importance. The Tribunal of Merchandise, built in 1359, housed the court that resolved disputes between the guilds. Palazzo Uguccioni, built in 1550, features a classical-inspired facade with Ionic and Corinthian columns, mistakenly attributed to Raphael or Michelangelo. In front of Palazzo Vecchio is the Palazzo delle Assicurazioni Generali, built in 1871, representing an example of neorenaissance architecture. The statues adorning the square are not only high-quality works of art but also constitute a unique secular allegorical cycle in the world. Among the most important are the Marzocco and Judith and Holofernes by Donatello, symbols of the political autonomy of the Florentine Republic. The replica of Michelangelo’s David, Cellini’s Perseus with the Head of Medusa, and Baccio Bandinelli’s Hercules and Cacus continue the political and celebratory theme of the square. Furthermore, the square has been the scene of many celebrations and festivals over the centuries, including the Feast of St. John, the patron saint of Florence, during which the conquered peoples paraded in front of the Priors of the Arts and, later, the Grand Duke offering gifts.