Overview
The great Medici Palace, the Palazzo Vecchio (Old Palace), dominates the beating heart of historic Florence, the Piazza Signoria (Plaza Signoria). Before Florence descended into a Duchy, the building was the headquarters of the city government, known as the Signoria.
History
The plaza has seen executions, such as the brutal execution of the plotters in the Pazzi plot to kill two leaders of the Medici Family. They did kill Giuliano, but Lorenzo, though wounded, rallied the citizens of Florence. The populace killed many of the conspirators. But the main culprits, including the archbishop, died hanging from the windows of the Palazzo Signoria.
While wandering the plaza, look for a round metal disk on the ground. This commemorates the location where the monk Savonarola was burned as a heretic. Just fifteen months after he had cajoled the people of the city to destroy outward signs of vanity. This event, known as the Bonfires of the Vanity, occurred near the spot of his execution.
Art
As in many places in Florence, public art displays are abundant. On the South side of the plaza is the Loggia dei Lanzi. A loggia is a covered porch. Often attached to an important or grand building and originally used to entertain guests you did not want to admit to your palace.
There are several original sculptures in the loggia. Seen with modern eyes, many are very violent. The interesting thing is that, unlike many outdoor sculptures in Florence, these are original, not reproductions.
Palazzo Entrance
When facing the Palazzo Vecchio, one can’t miss the two impressive statues flanking the entrance. On the left stands a reproduction of Michelangelo’s David, widely regarded as the most famous statue in the world. The original is now in the Accademia Gallery.
On the right is a statue of Hercules and Cacus. The placement of these two statues is not by chance. It involves politics. Wikipedia says it well: “These statues thus engage in a fierce dialogue with each other as well as the Florentine public about the socio-political state of Florence under each of the rulers” (Wikipedia)
Conclusion
I keep repeating: one or more of three themes- religion, politics, and art explain everything in Florence. The Plaza Signoria displays that abundantly. If you are in Florence, at least the historical section, it is just about impossible to avoid the plaza. Don’t fight the pull; visit it and wonder at the history on display.
The plaza is next to the Uffizi Art Gallery. I have an article on it and the Palazzo Vecchio on the site.
