Piazza della Signoria (Signoria Square), Florence (must see)

Alongside the Cathedral Square ("Piazza del Duomo"), the religious heart of Florence, Signoria Square is another key center of attraction in the city: its civil center, dominated by the formidable Palazzo Vecchio, a fortified palace. Boasting the finest assemblage of outdoor statues, this square holds significant historical importance as the birthplace of the Florentine Republic. As such, it holds a special place in the hearts of the locals as a hub of social life. The atmosphere in this area seems to transcend time, evoking images of Michelangelo's "David" standing here in its original location, now replaced by a replica.

The square has enjoyed central location in the city since the Roman times when it was just a small town called Florentia. Back then, it was surrounded by a theater, a complex of baths, and a textile workshop. Over time, a church, a loggia, and an enormous 5th-century basilica were added, as revealed by excavations carried out in the 1980s during the square's repaving.

The square's captivating appeal lies not only in its asymmetrical shape but also in the multitude of artworks it houses, both large and small. This makes it a favorite spot for photographers, who eagerly snap away from every conceivable angle. Even without a camera, standing in the middle of the square and taking in the 360-degree view is a mesmerizing experience in itself.

Dominating the city skyline, the imposing Old Palace ("Palazzo Vecchio") serves as the seat of municipal government. Adjacent to it, just a short distance away, stands the equally impressive "Lanterns' Lodge ("Loggia dei Lanzi"). Functioning as an open-air museum, this lodge is almost always accessible to the public free of charge and displays yet another impressive collection of statues, including the renowned "Rape of the Sabine Women", "Hercules and the Centaur", and a bronze "Perseus" cleverly positioned as if engaged in a gaze with the statue of David.

You'll find a few places to sit here, some out of the sun, but be sure to pace yourself and stay hydrated, especially during the hot summer months. Navigating through the crowd can be a challenge, but it's best to adopt a slight diagonal approach rather than attempting a direct path towards your destination, as you'll often encounter people walking in the opposite direction. By maneuvering like a yacht tacking against the wind – moving slightly to the right, then to the left, and so on – you can easily slide into the gaps as they appear. Easy-peasy!

Why You Should Visit:
One of the two most significant attractions in Florence, alongside the Cathedral Square ("Piazza del Duomo"), home to what could be considered the finest collection of outdoor statues in the world, surrounded by beautifully adorned buildings and numerous "very good" to "world-class" museums.