Piazza della Signoria

The Basics

Piazza della Signoria is best known as site of 14th-century Palazzo Vecchio, the crenellated fortresslike city hall and museum that anchors one side of the L-shaped square and was once seat of the Florentine Republic. The square is also home to the sculpture collection housed under the open-air Loggia dei Lanzi, the 16th-century Fountain of Neptune, a replica of Michelangelo’sDavid where the original once stood, and a number of important Renaissance palaces. The Uffizi Gallery is just off the square.

A stroll through Piazza della Signoria is one of the highlights of Florence walking tours and sightseeing tours by Segway or bike. Most private and small-group tours also include skip-the-line tickets to top attractions including the Duomo, the Uffizi, and Accademia Gallery. Kid-friendly Florence tours stop in Piazza della Signoria, and food tours pair a visit with beer, wine, or gelato tastings.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Piazza della Signoria is lined with restaurants and bars, including the historic Café Rivoire, perfect for a snack or drink.

• The square is flat and paved, easy to navigate with wheelchairs or strollers.

• Wear a hat and sunscreen if visiting in summer, as the square has little shade.

• Be sure to bring your camera to Piazza della Signoria, as it is one of the most picturesque spots in central Florence.

How to Get There

Piazza della Signoria marks the heart of Florence’s historical center and is a short walk from the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Santa Maria Novella train station.

When to Get There

Florence is one of the most popular destinations in Italy for day trips and shore excursions, and Piazza della Signoria is particularly hot and crowded in summer. Visit in spring or fall to enjoy the square with cooler temperatures and fewer tourists. A number of important historical and religious processions pass through the square each year, including the Cavalcade of the Three Kings on January 6 and the Carnival parade in February.

Savonarola

Piazza della Signoria was the site of the 1497 bonfire of the vanities, a Catholic reformist uprising led by the Dominican monk Savonarola who preached against the excesses of secular culture and urged his followers to burn works of art and literature. After defying Pope Alexander VI, Savonarola was hanged in the square, and today there is a plaque marking the spot of his execution.

What was the Piazza della Signoria used for?

Piazza della Signoria has been the center of Florentine civic life since the beginning of the Renaissance. The square is home to the fortress-like Palazzo Vecchio city hall, and Florence’s most important political events have played out here for the past 500 years.

What is in Piazza della Signoria?

The headliner in Piazza della Signoria is Palazzo Vecchio, home to the municipal government since the 15th century. A copy of Michelangelo’s David statue sits just outside, flanked by the Loggia dei Lanzi open-air sculpture gallery and the monumental Fountain of Neptune.

Do you need tickets for Piazza della Signoria Florence?

No, this public square is accessible without tickets—though visitors do need to purchase tickets to enter Palazzo Vecchio and take in its ornately decorated interiors. You can also admire the Loggia dei Lanzi, Fountain of Neptune, and David replica free of charge.

What are the best Piazza della Signoria sculptures?

The most famous statue in Piazza della Signoria is the replica of Michelangelo’s David—the original is housed in the Accademia Gallery. Other sculptures of note include the 16th-century Fountain of Neptune, plus Cellini’s Perseus and the Rape of the Sabines by Giambologna in the Loggia dei Lanzi.

What are some fun facts about Piazza della Signoria?

This square is full of historic Easter eggs. The face of Neptune atop the fountain is a portrait of Cosimo de’ Medici, while the profile etched into Palazzo Vecchio’s facade is said to be the work of Michelangelo. A plaque in the center of the square marks where Savanarola lit his Bonfire of the Vanities—and where the friar was later executed.

Why is the Piazza della Signoria important to Florence?

While Piazza del Duomo marks the center of religious life in Florence, Piazza della Signoria is the hub of the city’s political and social life. This venerable square is home to the most significant civic building in the city, and many historic Florentine events and festivals are held here each year.

Ways to explore

Piazza della Signoria is one of Florence’s historical and architectural highlights, and you can learn about its significance on just about any sightseeing tour of the city. Stroll through the square on a private walking tour, or zip past its artworks on a guided bike ride. With the Florence Duomo and Uffizi Galleries a short walk away, Piazza della Sigornia is easy to combine with skip-the-line tours of major monuments and museums. Medici-themed tours focus on the square’s Renaissance glory, while food tours pair a visit with wine and gelato tastings.

Accessibility

Piazza della Signoria is flat, open, and easy to navigate when using a wheelchair.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, water bottle, sunscreen

What to wear

There's little shade in the square, so wear a hat and sunglasses in the summer—as well as comfortable walking shoes for exploring Florence on foot.

Not allowed

Don’t wade in the Fountain of Neptune or touch any of the sculptures in Piazza della Signoria.

Amenities

Dining options, shopping, nearby luggage storage facilities

Address

Piazza della Signoria marks the heart of Florence’s historical center, and it’s a short walk from landmarks including the Florence Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Santa Croce Basilica. If you’re coming from outside the center, take a cab or public transit.

Driving

Unless you have a permit to drive in Florence’s limited-traffic zones, you won’t be able to get your car near Piazza della Signoria. Fortunately, taxis are widely available to take you to the central square.

Public transportation

The C1 bus runs north–south through central Florence, passing the Accademia Gallery and Duomo, and stops at Galleria degli Uffizi, just around the corner from Piazza della Signoria.

Best times to visit

The piazza empties of tourists after sunset, offering views of its sculptures by moonlight. To tour ticketed attractions such as Palazzo Vecchio, go in the morning.

Best days to visit

There’s no bad day to visit Piazza della Signoria, which is always busy as one of Florence’s top attractions.

Best months to visit

The piazza gets particularly hot and crowded in the summer—go from April–May or September–October to enjoy its outdoor sights while temperatures are mild.

Special events

Important historical and religious processions pass through the square, including the Carnival parade in February and festivities for Florence’s patron saint, San Giovanni, in June.