Piazza della Signoria in Florence

Piazza della Signoria

This lively square is home to Michelangelo’s David, as well as numerous cafés, the world-famous Uffizi and an outdoor sculpture gallery.

Take a seat at an outside table in one of the Piazza della Signoria’s many cafés and restaurants. Watch the crowds jostle as they have for over seven centuries in the town’s political and civic center. Flamboyant street performers, milling tourists and busy locals move about this L-shaped town square in front of some of Florence’s most famous buildings.

The construction of the Palazzo Vecchio in 1302 established the piazza as the hub of Florentine life that it is today. The palazzo is still the main town hall in Florence. Public votes, riots and executions have all taken place here under the stern eye of the replica of Michelangelo’s David that stands before the doors. The original statue was moved to the Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell'Accademia) in 1873.

Wander around the open-air sculpture gallery beneath the three wide arches of the Loggia dei Lanzi. Many of the statues here are replicas. The originals have been moved to various museums, but you’ll find the replicas none-the-less impressive. The towering bronze Perseus by the sculptor Cellini holds the head of a Medusa, daring people to cross the Medici family, while the two marble Medici lions further emphasize the power this family once held.

Pause for a moment beside Ammannati’s Fountain of Neptune, commissioned to celebrate Florence’s maritime achievements. Look down to find the bronze plaque commemorating puritanical friar Savonarola, who was executed here in 1498.

The Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi), with its seemingly ever-present lines of tourists waiting to see the works of Botticelli, da Vinci and others, is a highlight of the piazza. A number of other palaces such as the Palazzo Ugoccioni and the Palazzo dei Buonaguisi add to the square’s grand ambience.

The Piazza della Signoria is a vibrant and bustling location at any time. Entry is unrestricted 24 hours a day.

Guide to Exploring around Piazza della Signoria

Ponte Vecchio

Take a trip over Florence’s iconic bridge, spared by the Nazis for its beauty and home to jewelers for more than four centuries.

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San Lorenzo Church

One of the oldest and largest churches in Florence is also one of the city’s earliest examples of Renaissance design.

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Basilica of Santa Croce

Glorious tombs mark the resting place of Michelangelo, Galileo and many other Italian greats in the largest Franciscan church in the world.

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Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo)

The “Saint Mary of the Flower” cathedral and its towering dome have come to symbolize Florence.

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Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi)

Art lovers will be in their element in this famous museum, home to the most extensive and important collection of masterpieces in the world.

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Pitti Palace (Palazzo Pitti)

This former royal residence now showcases the extensive collections of the Medici family, with seven galleries containing some of the finest artworks in Florence.

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Piazza del Duomo

Giotto’s Bell Tower, the resplendent Baptistery, as well as the cathedral and its dome draw the crowds to this square in the heart of the city.

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Boboli Gardens

Take a deep breath and enjoy a relaxing walk or scenic picnic in these iconic Florentine gardens with shady avenues, tranquil ponds and historic sculptures.

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Bargello

Florence’s most prestigious collection of sculptures is displayed in this magnificent building, which is both a historical palace and an art museum.

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Florence Baptistery

View the iconic “gates of paradise,” admire the unique architectural structure and study exquisitely detailed mosaics in this incredible 11th-century baptistery.

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Map

Best Lodging Options Near Piazza della Signoria

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Maxim Axial CA $61

Per night/room

Dec. 15 - Dec. 16

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Maxim Axial

Via Dei Calzaiuoli 11, Florence, FI

3.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Duomo, this hotel is steps away from Via de' Calzaiuoli, Florence Baptistery and Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower. Piazza della Signoria and Piazza del Duomo are also within 5 minutes. Florence Santa Maria Novella Station is 11 minutes by foot and Stazione Porta al Prado, Florence, Italy is 21 minutes.

Grand Hotel Cavour CA $131

Per night/room

Jan. 13 - Jan. 14

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Grand Hotel Cavour

Via Del Proconsolo 3, Florence, FI

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Duomo, this family-friendly Florence hotel is steps away from Badia Fiorentina and Bargello. Piazza del Duomo and Palazzo Vecchio are also within 5 minutes. Florence Santa Maria Novella Station is 14 minutes by foot and Florence Campo Di Marte Station is 23 minutes.

c-hotels Ambasciatori CA $87

Per night/room

Dec. 17 - Dec. 18

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c-hotels Ambasciatori

Via Luigi Alamanni 3, Florence, FI

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Santa Maria Novella, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Via Faenza, Santa Maria Novella Basilica and Museum and Fortezza da Basso. Florence Baptistery and San Lorenzo Church are also within 15 minutes. Florence Santa Maria Novella Station is only a 3-minute walk and Stazione Porta al Prado, Florence, Italy is 11 minutes.

Hotel Pitti Palace al Ponte Vecchio CA $127

Per night/room

Jan. 12 - Jan. 13

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Hotel Pitti Palace al Ponte Vecchio

Borgo S.Jacopo, 3/r, Florence, FI

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Oltrarno, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Ponte Vecchio, Pitti Palace and Piazza della Signoria. Uffizi Gallery and Palazzo Vecchio are also within 10 minutes. Florence Santa Maria Novella Station is 16 minutes by foot and Stazione Porta al Prado, Florence, Italy is 23 minutes.

Grand Hotel Minerva CA $177

Per night/room

Dec. 21 - Dec. 22

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Grand Hotel Minerva

Piazza Santa Maria Novella 16, Florence, FI

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

This family-friendly Florence hotel is located in the historical district, just steps away from Piazza di Santa Maria Novella and Santa Maria Novella Basilica and Museum. Florence Baptistery and San Lorenzo Church are also within 10 minutes. Florence Santa Maria Novella Station is 5 minutes by foot and Stazione Porta al Prado, Florence, Italy is 15 minutes.

Orto De Medici Hotel CA $127

Per night/room

Dec. 15 - Dec. 16

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Orto De Medici Hotel

Via San Gallo 30, Florence, FI

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in San Lorenzo, this romantic hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Piazza San Marco, Gallery of the Academy of Florence, and Statue of David. San Lorenzo Church and Florence Baptistery are also within 10 minutes. Florence Santa Maria Novella Station is 13 minutes by foot and Florence Statuto Station is 17 minutes.

Hotel Laurus al Duomo CA $131

Per night/room

Dec. 15 - Dec. 16

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Hotel Laurus al Duomo

Via Cerretani, 54r, Florence, FI

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Duomo, this hotel is steps away from Via de' Tornabuoni and Florence Baptistery. Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower and San Lorenzo Church are also within 5 minutes. Florence Santa Maria Novella Station is 6 minutes by foot and Stazione Porta al Prado, Florence, Italy is 19 minutes.

Hotel Calimala CA $107

Per night/room

Dec. 18 - Dec. 19

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Hotel Calimala

Via Calimala 2, Florence, Città Metropolitana di Firenze

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Duomo, this hotel is steps away from Via de' Calzaiuoli, Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio. Uffizi Gallery and Ponte Vecchio are also within 5 minutes. Florence Santa Maria Novella Station is 12 minutes by foot and Stazione Porta al Prado, Florence, Italy is 21 minutes.

Piazza della Signoria

Piazza della Signoria