Carol D.

We enjoyed finding Michaelangelo's Graffiti portrait on the front wall of the Palazzo Vecchio building in Piazza della Signoria. The Piazza can get crowded with wall to wall tourists waiting to see some of Michaelangelos most famous works of art, but there is no waiting to see his secret etching on the brick on the Palazzo Vecchio building behind the statue of Hercules and Cacus. As the story goes, Michelangelo was bored by a man who wouldn't stop talking to him so he started etching his likeness into the wall. As this Artwork it is relatively unknown, it's easily viewed by the public and at no charge. #hiddengem

Andrea U.

I enjoyed wandering through the Piazza, amazed to see such beautiful sculptures. This is a wonderful place to sit and enjoy lunch al fresco as there are many cafes and restaurants here. Piazza della Signoria the political center of Florence since the 14th century, when houses of prominent families had to make way for the new square. It's been the center for ceremonial events, rallies, and festivals ever since, and here, you'll find several iconic Florence tourist attractions: Palazzo Vecchio, the Neptune Fountain, the Uffizi Gallery, the Loggia dei Lanzi, and copies of statues by Michelangelo and Donatello.

Sanjay G.

it is one of the busiest and most influential places in Florence. The Piazza Della Signoria has been the center of political life in Florence since the 14th century with the prominent Palazzo Vecchio overlooking the square. The square is really beautiful owing to the aesthetic structures that the plaza holds. It is here that tourists can visit remarkable places like the Palazzo Vecchio, Loggia dei Lanzi ( this is sort of Open Museum/Gallery, yup no ticket), Uffizi Gallery, the Fountain of Neptune, Hercules and Cacus as well as Perseus with the Head of Medusa. David (the original is in the Galleria dell'Accademia) by Michelangelo was placed outside the Palazzo Vecchio as a symbol of the Republic's defiance. I think the Piazza della Signoria is also filled with its (more than) fair share of sculptures. Duomo is the other square but it does not have open space like this piazza. This place is a favorite meeting place filled with tourists and locals.

David F.

Piazza della Signoria is an iconic Florentine square, historically the center of Florence since the 14th century. Every visitor to Florence should make it a point for at least a short visit here. It was an oppressively hot mid September day when we arrived at the Piazza. Amazing. Something gorgeous is everywhere you look: the Palazzo Vecchio still dominating the square as it has for the last 700 years. Replica copies of David and the gallery of statues in the open air museum of the Loggia dei Lanzi. We caught a bit of shade and lunched amidst the Loggia dei Lanzi statuary, soaking it all in. The only downside is that, as seems everywhere in Florence, you are surrounded and packed in with hundreds of other tourists. Nighttime or early-morning is best to beat the crowds.

Minoolifediary T.

Piazza della Signoria is an L-shaped square in front of the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence. It was named after the Palazzo della Signoria, also called Palazzo Vecchio. It is the main point of the origin and history of the Florence Republic and still maintains its reputation as the political focus of the city. It is the meeting place of Florentines as well as the numerous tourists, located near Palazzo Vecchio and gateway to Uffizi Gallery. The Uffizi Gallery is a prominent art museum located adjacent to the Piazza Della Signoria in Florence. One of the most important Italian museums and the most visited, it is also one of the largest and best known in the world and holds a collection of priceless works, particularly from the period of the italian Renaissance. After the ruling house of Medici died out, their art collections were gifted to the city of Florence. The Uffizi is one of the first modern museums. The gallery had been open to visitors by request since the sixteenth century, and in 1765 it was officially opened to the public, formally becoming a museum in 1865. Today, the Uffizi is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Florence and one of the most visited art museums in the world. among the master pieces in Uffizi Gallery you can find paintings and sculptures that are as famous as Mona lisa like "The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli" The sculptures in Piazza della Signoria bristle with political connotations, many of which are fiercely contradictory. The David (the original is in the Galleria dell'Accademia) by Michelangelo was placed outside the Palazzo Vecchio as a symbol of the Republic's defiance of the tyrannical Medici. This is one of the copies of David in Florence. Bandinelli's Hercules and Cacus (1534) to the right of the David was appropriated by the Medici to show their physical power after their return from exile. The Nettuno (1575) by Ammannati celebrates the Medici's maritime ambitions and Giambologna's equestrian statue of Duke Cosimo I (1595) is an elegant portrait of the man who brought all of Tuscany under Medici military rule. After two long years of restoration, the original splendor of the fountain has returned and it will be impossible to not admire it from up close walking through the Piazza.

Janice C.

Italy's passion about history, art and politics probably result from the likes of Da Vinci, Michelangelo and the Renaissance. Florence captures all of these (and more!) and you can feel it all here at Piazza della Signoria. A short walk from Ponte Vecchio or Piazza del Duomo, this is a main square in the heart of the city where locals and tourists naturally flock to and for multiple reasons: it's a gateway to the Uffizi Gallery, visiting the Palazzo Vecchio, looking at the statues at Loggia dei Lanzi (includes the Medici lions), taking pictures in front of the Fountain of Neptune or just hanging out at the several restaurants around the area. This was also the place where Michelangelo's David was originally located before he got transferred to the Accademia. There is still a copy that stands outside Palazzo Vecchio, but it doesn't rival the real thing. The expansive space is great for strolling about and people watching. Street performers entertain tourists with magic and comedy, definitely a fun place to visit!

Cat C.

A beautiful square in the heart of the city filled with tourists and local gawking at the gorgeous statues, the fountain, and checking out the Palazzo Vecchio. I even saw a bride and groom sneak some pictures in between the statues on the stairs. Great central location in this small town.

Marqus R.

Entering Piazza della Signoria is like having a head on mind crash with the Renaissance. It's just that overwhelming. Tagged by many as being the finest piazza in Italy, I would have to agree. The superstar of it for me, however, is the Loggia dei Lanzi, an open-air sculpture gallery as designed in 1376 and best of all, it's free and you are free to linger in admiration as long as you like. As an open air statuary it's unparalleled as it houses the bronze statue of Perseus, the mythical Greek hero holding his sword in his right hand with Medusa's severed head in his left, Rape of the Sabine Women by the Flemish artist Jean de Boulogne, Giambologna's Hercules beating the Centaur Nessus along with so many others. Nearby on the steps of Palazzo Vecchio., within clear sight of Loggia dei Lanzi, is an outside replica of Michelangelo's David with the original work housed inside for security and safety reasons.

David S.

And this is the piazza where the Italian priest was burnt at the stake (it was on the cover of one of the books that I read). Actually, this piazza is pretty awesome, if only for the statues that are located around it. A replica of Michaelangelo's David stands out the front of the fortress here, though a while back it was the original. However, it wasn't anywhere near is great as some of the other statues located here, particularly inside the portico. I didn't end up going into the fortress, namely because I was too caught up on admiring the statues around here.

Cydney M.

The Piazza della Signoria, Florence's civic center and outdoor sculpture gallery contains many notable works of art. If you can't handle looking at naked statues don't look at my photos :) Some of the statues, fountain and buildings in the square are as follows: Bronze equestrian statue of Great Duke Cosimo I by Giambologna (1594) Fontana del Nettuno (Fountain of Neptune) by Ammannati (1575) Palazzo Vecchio - Built by Arnolfo di Cambio between 1299 and 1304. When Florence was the capital of Italy from 1865 to 1871 it housed the Chamber of Deputies and the Foreign Ministry. A copy of the David is left of the entrance to the Palazzo. The original is now in the Academy Museum. Another sculpture of Hercules and Cacus, by Baccio Bandinelli, is to the right of the entrance. The Loggia di Lanzi aka Loggia della Signoria, is a building on the corner. It was built between 1376 and 1382 and is open to the street and full of statues such as the bronze statue of Perseus with the Head of Medusa and many others. The Galleria degli Uffizi entrance is on the southeast side of the square and right next to the Palazzo. A short walk to the south is the Arno River and southwest is the Ponte Vecchio. See my separate reviews for those along with photos. In conclusion, I mentioned that I found out a little piece of trivia that the video game Assasin's Creed II was set in Florence. See my review for the Cattedrale di Santa Maria della Fiore. We picked up a used copy of the PS3 game today and have now arrived at the Piazza della Signorina in 1416. I am Ezio Auditore Da Firenze. I am an assassin. God help me. I must really miss Italy.

Anton K.

Step back to the 14th-15th century when the Medici ruled Florence and the great masters adorned Florence with their art. This is the experience of visiting the historic district of Florence and the Piazza della Signoria. The Piazza della Signoria was the seat of power. The fortress, palace and town hall built in Romanesque architecture was the center piece of Renaissance Italy and the focal point of the square. With in short walking distance from Pizza della Signoria you can visit the Ponte Vecchio, Piazza de Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, Pitti Museum and the Loggia del Lanzi. The Piazza della Signoria remains as an important piece in the history of Florence. A pedestrian walkway makes strolling the district easy and safe. A police presence can also be seen. Don't even think about driving a car in this area. There is no parking and public transportation is cheap and accessible. The highlights of the piazza include: a copy of David, the Fountain of Neptune (1575 Ammannati), Hercules and Cacus (1533 Bandinelli), The Rape of the Sabine Women (Giambologna, Perseus with the Head of Medusa (1554 Cellini), etc.. It is an open air sculpture gallery. A bronze statue of Cosimi I on his horse and a sculpture of Medici (1554), can also be seen. A few steps in front of the Fountain of Neptune is a circular plaque which marks the spot where the friar Savanaroia was executed. He orchestrated the Bonfire of the Vanities, an assault on what he deemed was morally wrong. Books, art, wigs and make-up, etc. were burned in the square. There are quite a few restaurants in the square area. The historic cafe Rivoire to name just one. Realize that you will pay a premium for the dining experience. At times there are street performances and other special events on the piazza. The Piazza della Signoria has it's own website so you can check on events, etc.. If think that a copy of a sculpture should be clearly marked as such.

Joanna T.

Walking through the Piazza Della Signoria is like a dream in the night time. Spotlights highlight the building and the replicas of famous sculptures. The loggia along the side has seating but it is a little too chilly to stay outside. Instead sit and have a drink at one of the cafes that are around the square. I am a sucker for chocolate so whichever cafe can make a good hot chocolate - I am there! The Gucci museum is new to me. It has a lovely modern cafe, bookstore and retail area as well. Wow, look at these classic Gucci leather pieces and accessories. I enjoy the feel of this Piazza since it is less chaotic than others and bigger. If you have the opportunity, walk through and feast your eyes on the art work. It will stimulate your mind and certainly uplift your spirits.

Heather M.

Very busy and bustling coffee shop and restaurant patios we were shopping around just outside of the Gucci garden you can find this wonderful place they may only accept cash I ordered a classic salad that came with kiwi slices and chicken and a classic olive oil and salt and pepper dressing while sitting outside they served us sparkling water as we enjoyed the nice weather the waiters are super friendly they are used to dealing with loads of tourists a bit of a wait to get a table for all eight of us but that would not normally probably be a problem for most people groups you can enjoy your latte and biscuit while enjoying the scenic courtyard of the piazza A nice place to stop and rest amongst all of the sightseeing and shopping a true authentic coffee shop right in the heart of Florence Italy