Piazza Della Signoria In Florence

History of Piazza Della Signoria

Piazza Della Signoria is located in the area where there was an important square located during the times of ancient Romans. It is surrounded by a theater in a semicircular shape, a church and Roman baths too. The Piazza Della Signoria has the L shape due to the array of historical events that commenced from the second half of the 13th century. Guelphs and Ghibellines were fighting during the time and Guelphs took the control. They demolished towers and houses of the rivals. The land was then called damned and it was forbidden to build anything. The ground was thrown with salt so that nothing grows in the land. This location got paved in 1385 making it the square one can find today. The square has been the political center and it has also witnessed the worst executions in the history of Florence.

Piazza Della Signoria Statues

Loggia dei Lanzi is located on the right side of Palazzo Vecchio and operates as air sculpture gallery. It was designed by the artist Orcagna in the year 1376. The curved arches of the site foretell Renaissance classicism. The statue of the Perseo holds Medusa’s head by the Benvenuto Cellini is the reminder of the consequences on the ones who created the trouble of Medici. There are also other beautiful sculptures in this place which include the Rape of Sabines by Giambologna. Galleria delgi Uffizi is found behind Loggia dei Lanzi. Piazza Della Signoria looks beautiful and decorated with this open-air art museum.

Sculptures of Piazza Della Signoria

Piazza Della Signoria is adorned by many notable sculpture works. Michelangelo’s David is there on the left side of Palazzo’s door and it is placed almost near to the place where the original was standing in 1504 until it got shifted to Academia in the year 1873. On the right of Palazzo’s door stands Baccio Bandinelli’s work Hercules and Cacus dated back to 1534, with base ringed with animal heads that are expressive. Donatello’s diminutive and the powerful Judith slaying Holofernes made with bronze is placed in the front of Palazzo. Neptune Fountain is also found with bears featuring Cosimo I is on the far left side of Palazzo.

Facts about Piazza Della Signoria

1) The open-air gallery also features a copy of the statue of David.

2) The square was paved for the first time in 1385.

3) The marble and bronze statue of Fountain of Neptune was commissioned in 1565.

The Piazza Della Signoria is the square where you can sit back and roam in the past centuries. The whole look and environment take you through different periods. It is one such beautiful spot that makes the time of a history buff very indulging.