Piazza della Repubblica

The Piazza della Repubblica, in Florence

The Piazza della Repubblica is one of the great lively squares of Florence, on the site of the ancient Roman forum. The Florence audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this history-laden place, dominated by a triumphal arch and lined with historic cafés.

From the Roman forum to the lively square

The Piazza della Repubblica occupies a history-laden site, in the very heart of Florence: it is here that the forum of the ancient Roman town of Florentia was located, the centre of public life. Over the centuries, the place hosted the old market and the Jewish quarter of the town. At the end of the nineteenth century, when Florence was briefly the capital of Italy, the district was profoundly redeveloped: the old alleys were demolished and replaced by this vast square, dominated by a great triumphal arch and lined with elegant buildings. The square became a high place of social and intellectual life, famous for its historic cafés, which hosted writers and artists. Today lively, with its terraces, its carousel and its musicians, the Piazza della Repubblica is one of the living hearts of Florence and a must-see stop of the visit.

What to see

Here you enjoy the vast lively square, on the site of the ancient Roman forum of Florentia, become later the old market and the Jewish quarter, redeveloped in the nineteenth century when Florence was the capital of Italy, dominated by a great triumphal arch, lined with historic cafés and lively with terraces, a carousel and musicians. The Piazza della Repubblica is a living heart of Florence. It is a must-see stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Piazza della Repubblica lies in the heart of Florence, reachable on foot. It is a freely accessible public space; the cafés, shops and the carousel have their own hours. It is particularly lively during the day and in the evening.

What was there before the Piazza della Repubblica in Florence?

The forum of the ancient Roman town of Florentia, then the old market and the Jewish quarter of the town; the district was demolished and redeveloped into this vast square at the end of the nineteenth century, when Florence was briefly the capital of Italy.

Where is the Piazza della Repubblica of Florence?

In the heart of Florence, in Italy.