One of the most popular squares in Florence is Piazza della Signoria, as well as it is the main politic artery.
It construction starts in 1268, year in which the Guelphs decided to demolish the houses of their rivals the Ghibellines: the Foraboschi’s and the Uberti’s towers were the first ones to be demolished.
The demolished houses, at the end of this operation, amounted to 36 and for this reason the square has the buildings not lined up on it.
The piazza in fact holds many important buildings, including Palazzo Vecchio dating back to the 13th century and accredited to Arnolfo di Cambio.
The most visited building in the square is the Uffizi Palace, which holds the Uffizi Gallery, originally created in 1581 for Francesco de' Medici, one of the most admired art galleries in the world, exhibiting works by world renowned artists like Michelangelo, Leonardo, Giotto, Raphael, Cimabue, Botticelli and Caravaggio.
An exquisite copy of the Fountain of Neptune done by Bartolomeo Ammannati in 1565 and the world renown David by Michelangelo, placed in front of Palazzo Vecchio: these are excellent examples of copies but the original have been moved to the Gallery of the Academy of Fine Arts for security purposes.
Other sights to be admired in Piazza Signoria include the Loggia della Signoria and Loggia dei Lonzi which holds a gallery housing numerous works of art like the statue of Perseus by Benvenuto Cellini.
A visit to Piazza della Signoria is sure to keep its visitors occupied with its important history combined with modern day shops and cafés.