Piazza di Santa Maria Novella

"Piazza Santa Maria Novella is one of the main squares in Florence and also one of the most beautiful, among the major tourist attractions. The historic center is divided into 4 neighborhoods and the daily life of the Santa Maria Novella neighborhood revolves around this square. The enchanting beauty of the Renaissance facade of this Dominican basilica is usually what strikes the most, especially at first glance, but anyone who finds themselves in the area ends up wandering around exploring the square and participating in one of the many festivals and parties organized throughout the year in this suggestive context. The square was born in 1287 with the decree of the Florentine Republic during the years in which the Dominican convent and the church of Santa Maria Novella were renovated and expanded. Instantly, the square became the scene of festivals, tournaments and other competitions typical of the period. The two marble obelisks, each of which rests on 4 bronze turtles, almost certainly by Giambologna, have golden lilies on top, the symbol of Florence; Originally, they served to delimit the goal area during the traditional "Palio dei Cocchi", a race with carriages similar to the Roman ones pulled by two horses which began to be held right here in 1563."