Piazza della Signoria

The Plaza Mayor has the reputation of an open-air sculpture museum, surrounded by the Uffizi Gallery, mercenary pavilions and numerous cafes and bars. The well-known Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is located just north of it, about 200 meters away, and can be reached on foot from the alley. After visiting the square, turn a corner to the nearby Uffizi Gallery. The name of the Plaza Mayor is closely related to the current town hall, the old palace of the Medici family. The Old Palace is still in use and is located in a conspicuous position in the square, still overlooking the entire square. After several renovations, its architectural style has obvious period features. The exterior features medieval architecture, and after becoming the official residence of the Grand Duke Cosimo I of the Medici family in the 16th century, the interior features Renaissance architecture. The entrance to the Palazzo Vecchio is decorated with the city coat of arms, and there are numerous sculptures in the hall on the first floor, including Michelangelo's Triumph. Inside is a museum and a council hall for five hundred people. The council hall is not allowed to visit, but the tower can be climbed to the top. The tower is 94 meters high, like a crown of the Palazzo Vecchio, from which you can overlook the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. There is a row of sculptures at the entrance of the Palazzo Vecchio. The most famous one is Michelangelo's "David", but the original work has been moved to the Florence Academy Gallery in 1873. To the left of the Palazzo Vecchio is the beautiful Langche loggia in late Gothic style. It houses a group of important sculptures, among which is a Perseus by Benoto Cellini. "Perseus" is a bronze sculpture depicting a fit young man holding a bloody Medusa's head aloft in his left hand, a knife in his right, and his left leg bent. The enemy's body is at his feet. The high base of the sculpture and the intricate pattern engraving show the author's skill. On the right side of the Old Palace is the "Poseidon Fountain". On the two-wheeled chariot in the middle of the pool stands a huge white statue of Poseidon, the god of the sea. There are also colorful bronze statues around the pool. To the north of the pond stands the equestrian statue of Cosimo I of the Medici family, created by Chapter Bologna, which bears witness to more Florentine history than anything else here. The square is surrounded by simple historical buildings. Passing through the Town Hall Square in the evening, you can hear the performers playing the violin. The sound of the piano wafts and is intoxicating. When there are many tourists in summer, there will be entertainers dancing in the square.