Piazza della Repubblica

Welcome to Piazza della Repubblica, the beating heart of Florence for more than two thousand years. At first glance, with its elegant arcades, grand buildings and lively café terraces, the square feels surprisingly modern—almost Parisian. Yet this is where Florence began. In Roman times, the city’s forum stood here, at the crossroads of its two main streets. To find the centre of ancient Florence, look for the Column of Abundance. Topped by a statue, it marks the historic geographical heart of the city.The square, however, once looked completely different. By the Middle Ages, the area had become a tightly packed maze of narrow lanes, medieval towers and churches. At its centre was the Mercato Vecchio, Florence’s noisy, bustling old market. In the 16th century, the city’s Jewish ghetto was also established here.According to legend, this crowded marketplace was once the scene of a miracle. Saint Peter Martyr is said to have stopped a demonic black horse, sent by the devil himself, with a simple sign of the cross.So where did all of this go? In the late 19th century, after Florence briefly became the capital of the Kingdom of Italy, the city launched an ambitious modernisation project. Much of the medieval district was ruthlessly demolished in what Florentines called the sventramento—literally, the “gutting” of the city.The result is the monumental square you see today, dominated by the Arcone, the great triumphal arch ahead of you.To end your visit, follow in the footsteps of Florence’s 20th-century intellectuals. Take a seat at one of the historic cafés, such as Caffè Gilli or Giubbe Rosse, where Futurist artists once gathered to debate ideas and reinvent the world. Order a coffee, listen to the street performers and enjoy the atmosphere.