Piazza della Repubblica

Public Plazas · Santo Spirito

Piazza della Repubblica

Public Plazas · Santo Spirito

50123 Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy

Highlights

Nestled in Florence's ancient forum, this charming square boasts a beloved literary café and an enchanting merry-go-round.

50123 Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy Get directions

@afar

"Evening Rendezvous- Piazza Della Republica The Piazza Della Repubblica was the place to be in Florence in the evenings. Tourists and locals alike dined at the restaurants lining the square, student groups gathered, families enjoyed the Carousel, and gypsies and other migrants tried to sell everything from silk scarves to toys..right up until the police arrived and they all magically disappeared. By Liz Galpin"

The best cafés in Florence

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@afar

A Perfect Day in Florence

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@cntraveler

"Craft Cocktail and Aperitivo Tour of Florence kicks off at a given meeting point in Piazza della Repubblica or via dei Tornabuoni. The custom tours are private or for small groups and are tailored to your preferences—say, a particular liquor or cocktail—and are led by a team of sommeliers, culinary professionals and food historians. You'll visit multiple cafés and bars on foot. Though reservations are required, you can book as late as 24 hours in advance." - Erica Firpo

16 Best Things to Do in Florence

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@cntraveler

"What’s the big picture here? Craft Cocktail and Aperitivo Tour of Florence kicks off at a given meeting point in Piazza della Repubblica or via dei Tornabuoni. The custom tours are private or small group, and traverse the city on foot. Reservations are required, but you can book as late as 24 hours in advance. So, where exactly are we going to go? Private tours are customized to your preferences; say, a particular liquor or cocktail. Group tours offer a good overview of drinking and dining in Florence. You'll visit multiple cafés and bars, so expect to encounter crowds. How's the guide? Coral Sisk, the tour company founder, is a sommelier with a degree in Italian Literature and Language and a concentration in Food Studies. She's extraordinarily passionate and well versed in Florentine history, art, culture, and gastronomy. Anything you’ll be remembering weeks or months or years from now? The passion Sisk and her team of experts—a group of sommeliers, culinary professionals, and food historians—have for Florence's food and culture is remarkable. You'll forget neither the nerdy details they share, nor their enthusiasm. So: who is this best for? This tour is best for those interested in food and drink culture. Obviously it's not ideal for teetotalers or families with kids." - Erica Firpo

Curious Appetite: Craft Cocktail and Aperitivo Tour - Tour Review | Condé Nast Traveler

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Christina R.

Yelp

Great history. Incredible architecture. Super people watching. It's lively here at all times of the day. As is known, and I hate to repeat it, but watch yourself, especially if you are going to talk to vendors or street performing people. There's a tactic to distract and pickpocket. We saw it ourselves, so keep an eye open. There are quite a few shops and cafes/restaurants lining this square. I'm not the typical tourist who likes tourists traps or luxury shopping while on vacation so it's not my cup of tea but it might be yours. And there is plenty to choose from here. People seem to very much enjoy the carousel as well. If you just like visiting pretty places with cool historical significance, this is still the place to visit.

Andrea U.

Yelp

It's a beautiful night and everybody was out. The carousel was busy, the street performers were wonderful and they were crowds eating and enjoying the night. This large square was originally the site of the city's forum; then of its old ghetto, which was swept away when Florence was the capital of a reunited Italy. The Column of Abundance was once considered the center of Florence in 1431.

Bruce K.

Yelp

One of the main squares of the city of Florence and marks the center of the city since Roman Times. You'll see the tall Colonna dell'Abbondanza https://www.yelp.com/biz/colonna-dellabbondanza-firenze?hrid=N1JGhN4GY0fjIANj8kiXeA (Column of Abundance) which was the spot where the Cardus and Decumanus Maximi met and where the Roman forum stood. During medieval times the area around the column was densely populated with markets, tabernacles and churches - it was the center of the city. It was the location of the market and the Jewish Ghetto, who were obligated to live here by Cosimo I. Stories tell us that the column once held a bell, which was rung where pickpockets were found to be roaming this once busy market square to warn the shoppers to be careful. Yeah, the pickpockets thing hasn't changed - watch your stuff! The square has changed much throughout its lifetime. For example, the square originally displayed a large bronze equestrian monument to King Vittorio Emanuele II which has since been relocated to the square named after him at the entrance to the Cascine Park. [Review 17008 overall - 212 in Italy - 524 of 2022.]

Sanjay G.

Yelp

Piazza Della Repubblica, the town square in Florence, is a famous place with tourists. The famous cafe here Giubbe Rosse cafe, which was opened in 1896 has been the top place frequented by writers and artists. It sits on the site of the city's Roman forum. The Colonna dell'Abbondanza, a monument built in 1431, marks the exact center of the ancient settlement. Once the Roman forum, today the square is visited for its dainty cafes. These cafes were important places where literary people met and had great discussions. On your visit to Florence, check out some of the literary cafes here. The square today is an impromptu stage to street artists and shows, particularly after sunset.

Michelle M.

Yelp

The Piazza della Repubblica is a rectangular-shaped public city square in the Signoria District of Firenze, Italy. This square has marked the center of the city since Roman times. The tall column in the center (Colonna dell' Abbondanza) marks the intersection of two main roads from the Roman period. Initially this square held Firenze's marketplace and was the commercial hub of the city. In the 16th century Cosimo I de' Medici forced the city's Jews to live in this square and the Jewish ghetto developed. In the 18th century the town council decided clean up the center of the Piazza della Repubblica. Medieval towers, churches, workshops, homes, and original seats of the some of the Guilds were destroyed in order to widen the square into it's rectangular shape. Today the square is filled with street performers, elegant restaurants, and historical literary-cafès: Caffè Gilli, Paszkowski, Caffè Giubbe Rosse, and Caffè Gambrinus. These cafes were once the meeting points for many of the city's artists and writers in the past. At night the square is filled with bright lights, music, and squeals of laughter from children riding the carousel.

Kevin W.

Yelp

Piazza della Repubblica is one of the popular plazas in Florence. Square in shape. Not to big, not to small. There are small cafes and shops. Easy to walk. The huge arch is awesome. There is a cute little carousel here as well. And a large column, Column of Abundance in the middle. Great place to visit and people watch.

Jay Y.

Yelp

Although this isn't as famous or crowded as the nearby Piazza del Duomo or della Signoria, this young square is no less festive! In fact, I thought this piazza is a lot more cheerful than its two more famous counterparts! Created to celebrate the unified Italy when Florence acted as its temporary capital, Piazza della Repubblica is relatively newer compared to the other squares in the town center. Nonetheless, it retains the same historic charm thanks to the designers who attempted to preserve the Renaissance architecture while adding newer elements to celebrate the new historic milestone. The result is a somewhat historic square full of high-ended shops and restaurants in the midst of a historic downtown - perhaps it's Florence's own Piccadilly Circus! Yet that doesn't explain why this square is a lot more cheerful and pleasant than Piazze del Duomo and della Signoria. Maybe it's the lovely carousel that this square has, or maybe it's somewhat less touristy because it has fewer camera-snapping people (sorry that's me) since this square is more about its atmosphere and lacks a stunner like the Duomo or Palazzo Vecchio. No matter why though, while this square isn't as iconic, I recommend swinging by a bit to feel what I am talking about especially at night. Perhaps this is where you will find true happiness through presence alone! --- tl;dr version: 1) A newer square that is not as famous as Duomo or Signoria Square 2) Worth check out because of its cheerful atmosphere

Judy C.

Yelp

She busy during the afternoon, most stores aren't open until 11 am, come during the week if you are visiting weekends are worst. doh em the amount of people, tourist and locals. Variety is restaurants and hawkers. Leather goods and tourist souvenirs. Gelato a galore. If you sit you have to pay service charges, so be prepared for extra if you want to sit and rest!

Michael T.

Yelp

I've been here many times and have had a great time each visit. During the day there are many shops and restaurants to enjoy at night this place comes alive with the carnival ride, the music and the people walking around. Most of it is touristy but I think the ambience is still very nice especially on a nice temperate day. This is a great place for a couple or family. Not really exciting enough for singles! Bottom line..come here for mid scale shopping and restaurants during the day and a unique Florence family friendly ambience at night. Overall I have felt safe walking around and enjoying the entertainment even late at night Pros The cleanly and open ambience that is very energetic and full of lively people Day and night time activities from shopping and restaurants to a ride and music all on the square Cons Overall I have felt self but alway be aware of pit pockets

Shaunda H.

Yelp

Pretty cool spot, great place to take pictures. Lots of booths, lots of restaurants. The merry go round was cool too. I found some magnets which I was happy about. Pretty neat spot to check out if you go to Florence.

Kenneth N.

Yelp

I don't give out 5 stars so easily as Yelpers back home know, so listen up lol. This place is a good enough reason to return to Florence. Just like what you see in the movies. Culture, shopping, eating, cafes, action all into one: plus it's safe. Sure you have to be mindful of the usual pickpockets & gypsies, etc. but compared to Napoli the day before, where one really has to be on guard (as well as being dirty), Florence was amazing. You'll need a few days just to go through every nook and cranny here. Most streets are pedestrian friendly, with the odd one for scooters, as usual. Plus our tour bus guide remarked that the city only grants licenses to other cars but I digress. So the cobblestone shopping and walking the streets, it's all here. Action: music playing, horse buggy rides, eating patios, drinking wine on the streets, oh yeah baby. As with any touristy areas, there is a luxury area with Prada, etc. Only wished I had looked for the Longchamp but I digress again. There's a statue of David here as well.

Josie A.

Yelp

One of my most frequented places in Florence. Here's why: 1. There's a CAROUSEL (need I say more...?) 2. My fav club YAB is directly behind the arch 3. The odeon (the most amazing theater that plays American movies) is also behind the arch 4. My fav restaurant to get spaghetti alla carbonara (hands down) is in the piazza 5. They have amazing performers at night 6. The bookstore in the piazza sells English books 7. It is surrounded by fantastic places to shop. Boom.

Jesse M.

Yelp

Awesome piazza! I'm desperately trying to find out how to reach the 2 street musicians that play the mandolin & guitar. If you visit the piazza enjoy their beautiful music and get their information! I regret not buying their CD!

Dash S.

Yelp

For whom did not know.... This was the Jewish ghetto, and the fish market, the structure of the fish market with columns, paintings and terracotta was moved to Piazza dei Ciompi were still stands right now. In order to create space for the "Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II" now called Piazza Della Republica.....

Kim S.

Yelp

Market the first Saturday each month!

Kristen C.

Yelp

While Piazza della Signoria is more the tourists piazza, this much larger Piazza della Republica is probably more of the locals meeting point. Though, during high tourist season you would never know it as everyone meets here. Florentines dash by to and from work or take a passegiatta to the fashionable shopping streets near by. On a Saturday night this square is one giant party and I do mean party. With 3 famous caffes among other places, there is blaring music, street vendors, people catching up, or having a drink at Gilli.

Brooklyn C.

Yelp

Near other piazzas, shopping and food. Scenic and good people watching.

joe j.

Yelp

Fun piazza. Annoying Indian toy vendors at night avoiding cops. Cops are a joke in Florence. Great way to see them in action. We ate at one of the restaurants. Great service. We watched evening music for a while from a classical quartet. Nice to sit at a monument and rest too.