This is one of Florence’s largest public open spaces and it has a combination of functions. It’s used for dining with eateries spilling into the piazza, for official ceremonies as it’s right by the Town Hall, and also as a sort of public sculpture gallery. Directly by the Town Hall steps you’ll find a replica of Michelangelo’s ‘David’ – this was the location for the original statue which has now been moved to Galleria dell’Accademia. Most of the other sculptures are found under the 14th century canopy known as Loggia dei Lanzi, which is also a public seating area. We spent some lovely evenings just sitting in the shadows of the sculptures, listening to the nearby musicians. Also in the piazza you’ll find the Neptune fountain by Ammannati which Michelangelo is said to have called a “waste of good marble”. Sadly, it was not operating on any of our days in Florence. This is an extract from our free Florence City Guide.
Piazza della Signoria looking towards Loggia dei Lanzi and Palazzo Vecchio
The public art works in the square are a mixture of originals and copies. In the Loggia dei Lanzi there are information boards in English and Italian explaining what each work is and giving you more about the significance. Most of the original sculptures are under the canopy, some dating back to the 1500s. There’s no doubt though that the copy of ‘David’ gets the most attention from tourists with their cameras!
The copy of Michelangelo's 'David' outside Palazzo Vecchio in Piazza della Signoria, Florence
The full list of statues in the square is as follows…
Michelangelo’s David (copy)
Cosimo I by Giambologna – An equestrian statue in Bronze
The fountain of Neptune
Il Marzocco (The Lion)
Florentine Lily by Donnatello (copy)
Judith & Holofernes by Donnatello (copy)
Hercules & Cacus by Bandinelli (1533)
The Rape of the Sabine Woman by Giambologna
Perseus with the Head of Medusa by Cellini (1554)
Medici Lions by Fancelli and Vacca (1598)
If you’re particularly passionate about renaissance art, consider taking the highly rated Skip The Line Walking Tour which also includes access to the Accademia Gallery where the original ‘David’ is located.
Piazza della Signoria at night from the Loggia dei Lanzi
LOCATION
Piazza della Signoria is located next to the Town Hall (Palazzo Vecchio) in the traditional heart of Florence. Also here you’ll find the entrance to the Uffizi Museum and Gallery.
MORE ON PIZZA DELLA SIGNORIA
Hotels near Piazza della Signoria – Best price guarantee from Hotel.com
Piazza della Signoria – Wikipedia
Piazza della Signoria reviews – Virtualtourist.com
Renaissance Walking Tour - Includes access to see the real ‘David’
Florence Bike Tour – Calls in at Piazza della Signoria
More Florence Tours – From our Tours & Activities pages
Florence Guide Books – Amazon.co.uk (UK)
Florence Guide Books – Amazon.com (USA & Canada)
