Florence InfernoFlorence Inferno
Florence Inferno
Symbols and places mentioned in Dan Brown’s novel Inferno, and much more about Florence
FacebookTwitterGoogle+PinterestYouTubeTumblrTripAdvisor
  • Home
  • The Inferno Guide & Blog
    • Book & Movie
    • Places
    • Symbols
    • Personalities
    • Works of Art
    • Dante & his Work
    • Mystery Stuff
    • Miscellany
    • Events in Florence
  • Walking Tours
    • The Florence Inferno Tour
    • Inferno Package: Hotel & Tour
    • Uffizi & Accademia Tour
    • Fiesole & the Tuscany Hills
    • Photography Workshop & Tour
    • Private Tours
    • Florence Inferno Halloween Tour 2019
  • Interesting Books
  • Audio eBook
  • Map
  • About & Contacts
 
  • Home
  • The Inferno Guide & Blog
    • Book & Movie
    • Places
    • Symbols
    • Personalities
    • Works of Art
    • Dante & his Work
    • Mystery Stuff
    • Miscellany
    • Events in Florence
  • Walking Tours
    • The Florence Inferno Tour
    • Inferno Package: Hotel & Tour
    • Uffizi & Accademia Tour
    • Fiesole & the Tuscany Hills
    • Photography Workshop & Tour
    • Private Tours
    • Florence Inferno Halloween Tour 2019
  • Interesting Books
  • Audio eBook
  • Map
  • About & Contacts

The Piazza della Repubblica

October 19, 2013Leave a commentInferno's Places

During Roman times, the Piazza della Repubblica (Republic Square) was the ancient center of Florence, the site of the forum. As of the Middle Ages and for several centuries thereafter, it remained the “old” city market.

Around it were built a dense network of narrow streets and alleys. In these streets stood the houses of certain ancient Florentine families (the Medici, Brunelleschi, Castiglioni, etc..), twenty-four medieval towers, churches, chapels, lodges, and places belonging to the Guild of Florence.

In the Middle Ages, the area was densely populated. For instances, the chroniclers tell us that before the implementation of the fifth circle of city walls, there was no room for pasturage or gardens, with the tower-houses occupying all the space.

Although it has undergone many changes over time, the Piazza della Repubblica was very lively and busy, until recently. Cosimo I forced the Jews to reside in that area of the city, which thus became a ghetto known as the Jewish Quarter.

Piazza della Repubblica in the 1893

Between 1885 and 1895, the old market and the district were destroyed, officially for health and safety reasons, but more likely to add prestige to the city, a common occurence at that time.

The changes were part of urban planning that resulted from the establishment of Florence as the capital of the Kingdom of Italy (1865-1871). Consequently, many buildings, including the ones forming the ghetto and the Loggia del Pesce (Lodge of the Fish) by Vasari (rebuilt in via Pietrapiana) were demolished.

The famous Colonna dell’Abbondanza (Column of Abundance), which marked the intersection of the Roman chariots, was also brought down. On top of this column was once a statue sculpted by Donatello; however, the statue was destroyed and subsequently replaced.

The Colonna dell'Abbondanza

Today, Piazza della Repubblica consists of a large square surrounded by porticoes with an “arcone” (triumphal arch), bearing an inscription commemorating the old neighborhood.

On the arcone was once an allegorical group in plaster of three women, meant to symbolize Italy, Art and Science. However the Florentines ironically nicknamed them after three famous prostitutes from that time. The group was removed in 1904.

In 1956, the Colonna dell’Abbondanza was once again erected in the square and to this day marks the center of the ancient Roman city. Since the end of the nineteenth century, the square has served as a place of gathering for Florentines and foreigners alike; through its many cafes, famous artists and writers met there in the past.

Piazza della Repubblica and its cafes

Pictures by Wikimedia, aldoaldoz and yourflorence

About the author
Florence Inferno

Florence Inferno

Florence Inferno is a blog about the Florentine mysteries, symbols, and places that are mentioned in Dan Brown’s latest novel Inferno, and much more about the city. We also offer a guided Inferno walking tour, which follows the footsteps of Robert and Sienna, as well as an an eBook with an audio version.

Related posts
Pitti Palace
February 18, 2019
Ponte Vecchio Florence by Nuno Cardoso
Ponte Vecchio
January 28, 2019
Museo delle Cappelle Medicee by Richard, enjoy my life! CC BY-SA 2.0
The Medici Chapels
December 15, 2018
Lampredotto panino by Rowena
His Majesty the Lampredotto
October 16, 2018
Badia Fiorentina by Andreas Jurgherr
Badia Fiorentina
June 14, 2018
Gucci Museum in Florence
The Gucci Museum
May 14, 2018
Leave Comment

Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

clear formSubmit

The Florence Inferno eBook
A Guide to Florence per Dan's Brown Inferno Discover Dan Brown's Florence on your own with our audio guide and eBook.
Read more »
Stay in Touch
Want to get our posts via email?
By clicking on "Subscribe" you agree to receive our newsletter. Read our privacy policy. If you change your mind you'll find a link to unsubscribe in each email we'll send you.
Blog Categories
  • Dan Brown's Inferno: Book & Movie
  • Dante and His Work
  • Events in Florence
  • Inferno's Personalities
  • Inferno's Places
  • Inferno's Symbols
  • Miscellany
  • Mystery Stuff
  • Works of Art
Blog Topics
Art Artists Baptistry Boboli Gardens Books Bridges Churches Dan Brown Dante Alighieri Districts Divine Comedy Duomo Food Geography History Hotels Inferno's Characters Interviews Istanbul Lifestyle Medici Family Movies Museums Palaces Palazzo Vecchio Parks Santa Maria Novella Sociology Squares Streets Symbology Theology Thinkers Trains Venice
Tickets & Guided Tours
Discover more »
Search
© 2013-2019 Florence Inferno {CC BY-NC-ND 4.0} • Termetour S.r.l. Via Garibaldi 33, 51016 Montecatini Terme (Pistoia, Tuscany, Italy) • CF / P. IVA (VAT) 01426700470
Cap. soc. 12000€ I.V. • PEC termetour@pec.it • REA PT14851 Aut. N° 22806 del 14.03.2001 • Responsabilità civile degli organizzatori di viaggio (insurance)
704235585 01 SAI Fondiaria S.p.a. • Web design by Simone Montanari. Concept, SEO & web / content marketing by Pasta SEO • Email info@florenceinferno.com

Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
Free blog counters