Piazza della Signoria

Centre of medieval power

The settlement of the Piazza dates back to the Neolithic Age, as excavations have shown. Archaeologists have also been able to prove that the site was already important during Roman rule - a large theatre was located here. The place came to real bloom in the Middle Ages. The local rulers had important buildings erected here, which made the place the political centre of the city. Public executions took place here, as well as receptions, military parades and celebrations. Today, the square attracts visitors and residents for its impressive buildings and statues.

Important sights at the Piazza della Signoria

The square was named after the Signoria, a republican government that ruled the city in the Middle Ages. It resided in the Palazzo Vecchio, which was then still called Palazzo della Signoria. The imposing Gothic building dominates the square with its striking tower. The palazzo was built between 1299-1314 and served as the ducal residence of the ruling Medici in the 16th century. Inside are famous frescoes from various centuries. Right at the entrance, visitors come across a larger-than-life copy of Michelangelo's famous statue of David, the original of which is in the Galleria dell' Accademia.

Next to the Palazzo is the Loggia dei Lanzi, an arcaded building also built in the 14th century that served as a backdrop for celebrations and receptions. This building is also Gothic in style and houses various statues, including a Roman figure from the 2nd century. Directly in Piazza della Signoria stands the famous Fountain of Neptune, designed in the 16th century by Bartolomeo Ammanati, to mark the marriage of Francesco de' Medici to Joan of Austria.

Piazza della Signoria can be found in the medieval centre of Florence, just a few steps from the Uffizi Gallery and a short walk from the Ponte Vecchio on the Arno.