Piazza della Signoria

Piazza della Signoria is an L-shaped square in front of the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, Italy. It was named after the Palazzo della Signoria, also called Palazzo Vecchio.

It is the focal point of the origin and of the history of the Florentine Republic and still maintains its reputation as the political hub of the city. [cite book | year=2007 | title=Florence: The City Layout | publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica] It is the meeting place of Florentines as well as the numerous tourists.

The impressive 14th century Palazzo Vecchio is still preeminent with its crenellated tower. The square is also shared with the Loggia della Signoria, the Uffizi Gallery, the Palace of the Tribunale della Mercanzia (1359) (now the Bureau of Agriculture), and the Uguccioni Palace (16th Century, with a facade probably by Raphael). Located in front of the Palazzo Vecchio is the Palace of the Assicurazioni Generali (1871, built in Renaissance style).

The various eye-catching statues in this square include:
* At the entrance of the Palazzo Vecchio, a copy of David.cite book | year=2007 | title=Vecchio, Palazzo| publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica] The original by Michelangelo is being kept at the Gallery of the Academy of Fine Arts.
* The "bronze equestrian statue of Cosimo I" by Giambologna (1594)
* The Fountain of Neptune by Bartolomeo Ammannati (1575) [cite book | year=2007 | title=Ammannati, Bartolommeo| publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica]
* "The Lion", referred to as "il Marzocco" with a copy of the "Florentine Lily", originally made by Donatello (copy)
* "Judith and Holofernes", by Donatello (copy)
* "Hercules and Cacus", by Bandinelli (1533)
* "The Rape of the Sabine Women", by Giambologna
* "Perseus with the Head of Medusa", by Cellini (1554)

. [cite book | year=2007 | title=Italy: Savonarola| publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica]

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