The Piazza della Repubblica is located on the site of the Old Market, which had existed for many centuries before its demolition in 1890. The Piazza was created to celebrate the newly-united Italy, of which Florence was the capital for awhile. Florence is no longer the capital, but the Piazza remains a pleasant place to pass some time.

There are a number of interesting shops nearby, and a triumphal arch bordering the Piazza on the west. There is a merry-go-round for small kids (ours were a little too grown up) and places to eat.


We window shopped for awhile, and chose an outdoor café for dinner. The food was good and surprisingly reasonable in price.

After dinner we returned to the hotel to rest up for our trip to Rome the next day.