Piazza della Repubblica, Florence

Piazza della Repubblica is not a beautiful piazza, nor is it very historic (compared with the rest of the city).It was born out of an effort of late 19th century Florence to spruce up the city during the time that Florence was briefoly the capital of the newly united Italy. Originally, a decrepit medeival neighborhood was here, it was razed and the present piazza was erected.

Piazza della Repubblica is a meeting point, in addition it is much more a point of reference (for people who live here) than say the Duomo or Santa Croce).

It is filled with historic cafes (which unfortuantely now are extrememy overpriced), except for Donini, which still has good pastries and caffe (just don't sit down). Also the largest bookshop (The Edison) and music store (Riccordi) are located there as well. In addition, it has the largest taxi stand outside of the train station, just in front of the Pasckowski Caffe.

This huge fountain is found near the Vecchio Palace. The entire square where the Vecchio Palace is located is dominated with large sculptures and copies of scupltures. None of them are small. This one seems overwhelming viewing it by itself. When you enter the square this is one of the first things that catches your eye.

In order to build this square the Old Market, economic heart of Old Florence (1895), was destroyed.. On the left is the portico of the Central Post Office, by Sabatini and Vagnetti (1917).
This square is a popular meeting place for Florentines and turists because of its many cafes..

A unique blend of vendors selling a wide range of goods from leather products to replica jerseys (as in the picture) the market located in Piazza Della Repubblica is a great place to spend an hour or two, and maybe find a unique item at a good price. The boar in this picture is said to bring good luck if you rub its nose.
Be careful what you purchase, while there are many good deals, many of the brand name goods are immitation products, while many are high quality there are some that are not.

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I think if you take kids to Firenze, you gotta take them here to ride the Merry-Go-Round. Get some gelato and enjoy the moment!

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This square can be added to Restauant section too; there are many of them with nice, at least in Summer, terraces.

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It was once the heart of Roman and medieval Florence and the centre of the city’s public and commercial life.

You will most probably enter the square from a huge arch on the western side. It was built to commemorate then king of Italy, Victor Emmanuel, in 1895.

The wide shopping street, via dei Calzaiuoli, and side streets leading to Piazza Della Republica are always fun to navigate while window shopping.

The 19th century square built on the oldest city centre. Once here stood a Roman forum, but almost all Classic buildings were distroyed by the invading of the Barbarians.