Republic Square in Florence

Piazza della Repubblica in Florence is a place rich in history and transformations that reflect the evolution of the city itself. This space, now one of the main landmarks in the heart of Florence, has origins dating back to Roman times, when the forum, the commercial and political center of the city of Florentia, was located here. During the Middle Ages, the square maintained its importance as the focal point of city life, hosting the Mercato Vecchio and becoming the location of the Jewish ghetto, established by Cosimo I de’ Medici. This neighborhood was characterized by a maze of narrow and densely populated streets, where artisan shops, residences, and places of worship were located. The Column of Abundance, or Column of Plenty, still marks the point where the cardo and decumanus, the two main streets of the Roman forum, intersected. The current column dates back to 1431, but the original statue is preserved at the Cassa di Risparmio on Via dell’Oriuolo.The face of the square changed radically during the period of Risanamento, between 1885 and 1895, when Florence became the capital of the Kingdom of Italy. This urban planning project, aimed at modernizing the city, involved the demolition of many medieval structures, including towers, noble palaces, churches, and shops. The restructuring was officially motivated by hygiene and safety needs, but in fact aimed to give prestige to the city and reflected the will of the emerging new bourgeoisie. The Loggia del Pesce, designed by Vasari, was dismantled and rebuilt in Piazza dei Ciompi.One of the most significant events of this period was the inauguration of the Equestrian Monument to Vittorio Emanuele II in 1890, which gave the square the name Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II. However, this statue was never loved by the Florentines and was moved to the Parco delle Cascine in the 1930s. Subsequently, the square was renamed Piazza della Repubblica.The square, as we see it today, is surrounded by elegant arcades and dominated by the Arcone, a large triumphal arch with a commemorative inscription. Under the arcades and around the square, historic cafes such as Caffè Gilli, Caffè Paszkowski, and Caffè delle Giubbe Rosse stand, which were meeting places for artists, writers, and intellectuals such as Giovanni Papini, Giuseppe Prezzolini, and other representatives of the artistic avant-gardes of the 20th century.A curious anecdote related to the square dates back to 1245, when it is said that San Pietro Martire, while preaching to a large crowd, was interrupted by the devil in the form of a black horse. The saint, making the sign of the cross, managed to stop the horse, which suddenly disappeared. This episode is commemorated by a statue of the little devil created by Giambologna, located at the corner of Via Vecchietti and Via Strozzi.Piazza della Repubblica has been and continues to be a vibrant center of Florentine life, where past and present harmoniously blend. Today, the square is a lively place, frequented by tourists and residents, animated by street musicians, artists, and markets selling artisanal products and antiques. Among its most beloved symbols is the ancient carousel, painted with vibrant colors, which adds a touch of magic and nostalgia to the urban landscape.