Piazza della Signoria
Piazza della Signoria has been in the center of Florentine history since the 14th Century. In the past it has served as a meeting place, a venue for capital punishment, political debate, and trade. In 1497 the Bonfire of the Vanities, a public burning of objects of vanity such as mirrors, cosmetics, nice clothes, books, and even music instruments, took place in the piazza led by Girolamo Savonarola who was then subsequently burned at the stake in the very same place. Today it is a lively place surrounded by an open air museum, a replica of the David, (the original is in the Gallerie dell'Accedemia) the Uffizi gallery, and many restaurants and cafe's.

Fun Facts

• As with many old squares in Europe, Piazza Signoria was created in the midst of the Guelph's destruction of the leading former Ghibelline households in 1268.


• The square remained untidy and full of holes from 1268 to 1385 when it was first paved.


• Among the many statues and sculptures in the open air museum in Piazza Signoria is Benvenuto Cellini's wonderful Perseus holding up the head of the Medusa.

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Piazza della Signoria