Piazza della Signoria

"The Piazza della Signoria has been the center of political life in Florence since the 14th century with the prominent Palazzo Vecchio overlooking the square. It was the scene of great triumphs, such as the return of the Medici in 1530 as well as the Bonfire of the Vanities instigated by Savonarola, who was then himself burned at the stake here in 1498 after he was denounced by the Inquisition as a heretic. A marble circle inscription on the piazza shows the location where he was burned. The sculptures in Piazza della Signoria bristle with political connotations, many of which are fiercely contradictory. The David (the original is in the Galleria dell'Accademia) by Michelangelo was placed outside the Palazzo Vecchio as a symbol of the Republic's defiance of the tyrannical Medici. Bandinelli's Hercules and Cacus (1534) to the right of the David was appropriated by the Medici to show their physical power after their return from exile. The Nettuno (1575) by Ammannati celebrates the Medici's maritime ambitions and Giambologna's equestrian statue of Duke Cosimo I (1595) is an elegant portrait of the man who brought all of Tuscany under Medici military rule. After two long years of restoration, the original splendor of the fountain has returned and it will be impossible to not admire it from up close walking through the Piazza."

"The vibrant political center of Florence is dominated by the Palazzo Vecchio. This historic square is adorned with a replica of Michelangelo’s David and the Fountain of Neptune. Don’t miss the Loggia dei Lanzi, an open-air gallery housing Renaissance sculptures. The original David was positioned here until 1873 when it was moved to the Accademia Gallery to protect it from damage. Note: Check out Michelangelo's carving on the wall to the right of the main entrance to Palazzo Vecchio (see video below) "

"‌This is probably the most beautiful and interesting square in Florence! In this Piazza, there are a lot of things to see around here. You will see Palazzo Vecchio(you can enter the first floor and see the courtyard for free), the Loggia della Signoria(free entrance), Grand duke of Tuscany bronze, Fountain of Neptune, and the Uffizi Gallery nearby.  Tip: At the left side of Palazzo Vecchio, there's a fountain that has both natural and sparkling water!"