Piazza della Repubblica

The Piazza della Repubblica is a quadrangular area located in the center of Florence. Hence, it is also called the navel of Firenze. The Colonna dell'Abbondanza, or the Column of Abundance, is the most well-known structure here.

It represents the spot where the Roman chariots met—the intersection of cardus, the north-south oriented road, and decumanus maximi, the east-west oriented road. On top of this structure sits the Lady with the Cornucopia, a replica of the one created by Donatello, which was destroyed. The square has several excellent cafes and restaurants and is frequented by many street artists and performers. There are numerous ancient Roman-era monuments and churches in this square. The Old Jewish Ghetto was located here; Cosimo Ⅰ had ordered for the Jews to be relegated here. You can visit museums like the Museum of Orsanmichele and Museo di Palazzo Davanzati. This square is where the unique Mercato del Porcellino is. The Mercato is an open-air market with various stylised real and fake leather bags. According to a legend, you will also find the Fontana del Porcellino in the market, the bronze wild boar fountain, which grants good luck. You can enjoy some great Italian cuisine dishes in the cafes and restaurants here.