Dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries, the Piazza Della Signoria is one of Italy's largest and most beautiful public squares. It is also a nice central hub for downtown Florence, right next to the Uffizi Gallery, down the street from the Cathedral and within earshot of just about everything else.
Overlooking the Piazza is the towering Palazzo Vecchio (constructed during the 13th and 16th Centuries) which has been used over the years by the local government. Although most of the space is a museum now, it is now Florence's Town Hall and the workspace of the Mayor and the City Council.
Directly outside the entrance to Palazzo Vecchio are several large statues including a copy of Michelangelo's "David" (the original used to reside here from 1504 to 1873 before being moved to the Galleria dell'Accademia).
"Hercules and Cacus" by Baccio Bandinelli.
And the "Fountain of Neptune" by Bartolomeo Ammannati.
Like I said, the interior of Palazzo Vecchio is mainly a museum, home to many beautiful paintings, sculptures and other works of art. There is even a "Hercules" room dedicated to the exploits of the legendary hero.
Back outside in the Piazza, you'll see the Loggia dei Lanzi which is home to even more statues based on stories from mythology and the Bible. The most famous one is probably the bronze "Perseus" by Benvenuto Cellini, but all of the others are equally impressive.
A trip to the Piazza is not only an essential part of any visit to Florence, but also an inevitable one. It's a good place to decompress after being stuck inside various museums, galleries and churches all day long because you can do so while still taking in loads of culture and history.
Overlooking the Piazza is the towering Palazzo Vecchio (constructed during the 13th and 16th Centuries) which has been used over the years by the local government. Although most of the space is a museum now, it is now Florence's Town Hall and the workspace of the Mayor and the City Council.
Directly outside the entrance to Palazzo Vecchio are several large statues including a copy of Michelangelo's "David" (the original used to reside here from 1504 to 1873 before being moved to the Galleria dell'Accademia).
"Hercules and Cacus" by Baccio Bandinelli.
And the "Fountain of Neptune" by Bartolomeo Ammannati.
Like I said, the interior of Palazzo Vecchio is mainly a museum, home to many beautiful paintings, sculptures and other works of art. There is even a "Hercules" room dedicated to the exploits of the legendary hero.
Back outside in the Piazza, you'll see the Loggia dei Lanzi which is home to even more statues based on stories from mythology and the Bible. The most famous one is probably the bronze "Perseus" by Benvenuto Cellini, but all of the others are equally impressive.
A trip to the Piazza is not only an essential part of any visit to Florence, but also an inevitable one. It's a good place to decompress after being stuck inside various museums, galleries and churches all day long because you can do so while still taking in loads of culture and history.
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