Piazza della Repubblica

Originally, this place was the center of the ancient city. Here stood the Roman Forum, where two paths crossed — the Cardo and the Decumanus. In the Middle Ages, the location was used as a bustling city market, around which residential houses, craft workshops, and tall towers were built. In the 16th century, during the reign of Cosimo I de' Medici, a Jewish ghetto and two synagogues were established here.

In the 19th century, the square underwent colossal changes due to the events of the Risorgimento. Many ancient buildings and medieval towers were demolished, and some landmarks, such as the large bronze equestrian statue of King Victor Emmanuel II, were moved to other parts of the city. The historic square was almost completely rebuilt in the style typical of that time. The only thing that remained from the medieval past was the 15th-century Column of Abundance, marking the exact center of Florence during the Roman Empire.

Today, the square is considered a symbol of rebirth and renewal.

The square has a rectangular shape and is known for its architectural masterpieces and atmosphere. Today, it is one of the centers of Florence. It is surrounded by buildings and the famous arch, called the Arcone.

The buildings around the square house cafes, restaurants, shops, hotels, and apartments. It also features the historic literary cafe Giubbe Rosse, which opened in 1896.

The center of the square is adorned with the tall Column of Abundance.

The square also has a bright carousel, known as the Old Tuscan Carousel , as well as souvenir shops. Artists gather on the square and street performers entertain the public.

The Column of Abundance, made of grey Elban granite, was originally erected in 1430-1431 by local civil servants. Atop it was placed a statue of grey-blue sandstone by Donatello, depicting an allegory of Abundance with a horn of plenty in hand, reflecting the theme of the market located here.

Two chains were attached to the column: one for a bell at the top, which rang to announce the opening and closing of the market, and another at the bottom with a collar and bell used to shackle dishonest traders, fraudsters, and insolvent debtors for public shame.

The weathered statue was removed from the column in 1721 and replaced with a marble statue by Giovanni Battista Foggini. During the square's clearance between 1885 and 1895, the column was dismantled, and its parts were preserved in different locations.

In 1956, under the direction of engineer Giulio Cesare Lenci Orlandi Cardini, the column was reassembled with a bronze copy of Foggini's statue by Mario Moschi.

Today, the column on Piazza della Repubblica is located approximately two meters from its original location.

The arch with arcades in the Middle Ages served as an entrance/exit. It was created by Vincenzo Micheli. Then it was altered and expanded on each side with columned galleries.

The arch is adorned with columns and sculptures. At the top of the arch is the inscription: "The ancient center of the city, restored from centuries of squalor to new life".