Centro Guide Toscana

What is the symbol of the Florentine Republic?

This is Piazza della Signoria. It has been the center of political life in Florence since the 14th century with the prominent Palazzo Vecchio overlooking the square.

There was the scene of great triumphs, such as the return of the Medici in 1530 as well as the Bonfire of the Vanities instigated by Savonarola, who was then himself burned at the stake here in 1498 after he was denounced by the Inquisition as a heretic. A marble circle inscription on the piazza shows the location where he was burned.

The sculptures in Piazza della Signoria bristle with political connotations, many of which are fiercely contradictory. The David (the original is in the Galleria dell'Accademia) by Michelangelo was placed outside the Palazzo Vecchio as a symbol of the Republic's defiance of the tyrannical Medici. Bandinelli's Hercules and Cacus to the right of the David was appropriated by the Medici to show their physical power after their return from exile. The Nettuno by Ammannati celebrates the Medici's maritime ambitions and Giambologna's equestrian statue of Duke Cosimo I is an elegant portrait of the man who brought all of Tuscany under Medici military rule. After two long years of restoration, the original splendor of the fountain has returned and it will be impossible to not admire it from up close walking through the Piazza.

Learn more fascinating facts about symbol of the Florentine Republic and walk the history streets with our guides. Book book the through +39 340 176 0288 or [email protected]

You will not be able to pass by these special animals while in Florence.

Yes, this is the calling card of the Loggia dei Lanzi at the Piazza della Signoria - Medici Lions. The Medici lions are a pair of marble sculptures of lions dating to 2nd century and 16th-century ad. Both were by 1598 placed at the Villa Medici, Rome. Since 1789 they have been displayed at the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence. The sculptures depict standing male lions with a sphere or ball under one paw, looking to the side.

There is a smaller bronze left-looking sculpture attributed to Italian sculptor Pietro da Barga and the same period.

Later copies or replicas located in Spain, Sweden, Britain, Russia, Ukraine, USA, Cuba, Estonia, Lithuania, France and Hungary.

Write in the comments, what other sculptures of Tuscany you would be interested to know about?

Let’s come back to the capital city of the Tuscany, to Florence.

The city is noted for its culture, Renaissance art and architecture and monuments. The city also contains numerous museums and art galleries, such as the Uffizi Gallery and the Palazzo Pitti, and still exerts an influence in the fields of art, culture and politics. Florence is home to one of the most famous art galleries in the world, where many Renaissance masterpieces are housed. Hundreds of thousands of people visit Florence every year just to see the famous pieces by historical artists such as Raphael, Michelangelo, da Vinci, Botticelli, Giotto and Titian, just to name a few.

Florence was a centre of medieval European trade and finance and one of the wealthiest cities of that era. It has been called "the Athens of the Middle Ages". Its turbulent political history includes periods of rule by the powerful Medici family and numerous religious and republican revolutions. From 1865 to 1871 the city served as the capital of the Kingdom of Italy (established in 1861).

UNESCO declared the Historic Centre of Florence a World Heritage Site in 1982.

The city centre is overrun mostly by pedestrians who stroll the streets for fun to window-shop, slowly enjoy a gelato or take in a beautiful day sitting in a piazza while chatting and people watching.

Florence has always been a place for artists, scientists, specialists and eternal students to congregate. Over the generations of artists passing down their craft, artistic people have flocked to Florence from all over the world due to the creative energy that the city seems to emit so effortlessly. The energy is alive yet relaxed, the air is buzzing with creativity and there is beauty everywhere you look.

And we invite you to fell florentine’s magic with us. To book the tour in Florence contact us through 📞+39 340 176 0288 or 📧 [email protected]

Walk over Florence in one day ⭐️

This private excursion offers a full day of amazing sights. Allow our sertified guides to give you the personal attention you deserve, and a memorable day in Florence!

Discover the architecture and history of Florence as you stroll through the city's charming and intricate streets. It's a magical experience.

Visit Michelangelo’s David and the medieval bridge, Ponte Vecchio over the Arno River in historic Florence. Learn the history of the founding of the first churches and the rise of the famous Medici dynasty. You can also visit the memorable sites in the history of Dante Alighieri, the father of the Italian language.

Whatever interests you, you are sure to enjoy all the beauty and grandeur of the capital of Tuscany.

In the carousel, you’ll see how such a tour went with our followers 🤗

To book the tour contact us through 📞+39 340 176 0288 or 📧[email protected]