Piazza della Signoria: the heart of Florence
Piazza della Signoria is the main square of Florence, seat of civil power and the heart of the city's social life.
It's surrounded by some of the most famous buildings in the city, starting with Palazzo Vecchio, central element of the square, where, near one of the entrances, you can find a copy of the statue of Michelangelo's David.
Piazza della Signoria is an open-air museum, full of Renaissance statues, fountains and decorations that will leave you breathless.
The statues located in the square, you can also admire from our hotel windows, are not only a decorative ensemble of the highest level, but also represent a true secular allegorical cycle, unique in its kind in the world, which was meant to inspire the city's rulers who went to Palazzo Vecchio.
Piazza della Signoria is where we were born more than twenty years ago and from where we have seen the interest of international travelers grow in the artistic and cultural offerings of Florence.
Piazza della signoria:
Main attractions
Palazzo Vecchio
Palazzo Vecchio, the traditional seat of the Florentine government, with its characteristic tower is another of the symbols of the city. The construction, designed by Arnolfo di Cambio, began in 1299 and was initially the seat of the Piori delle Arti and the Signoria: inside you can admire rich decorations by Vasari.
Fontana del Nettuno
In addition to being an original reference for the water supply in an area with very few sources, the fountain was a great monument celebrating the power over the seas of Cosimo I de' Medici. Numerous sculptors contributed to its creation, with an approach based on materials different in nature and color.
Loggia dei Lanzi
The Loggia was used to host public assemblies and official ceremonies of the Florentine Republic. The three arches of the loggia house sculptures of exceptional value dating back to the classical age and the period of mannerism, true museum masterpieces, all original and freely accessible day and night for free.
Gucci Garden
On the first and second floors, you can find the unconventional museum space designed to give tribute to the brand. On the ground floor, there is a boutique with items only for sale in the Gucci Garden location, and Osteria Gucci, a restaurant managed by Michelin-star chef, Massimo Bottura.
Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery is one of the top museums in the world, as well as one of the oldest. It was built initially to accomodate various committees, agencies, and guilds, hence the name Uffizi ("Offices"). Formally becoming a museum in 1865, it holds a collection of priceless works by Michelangelo, Botticelli, Caravaggio.
Torre di Arnolfo
The Arnolfo Tower, with its 95 meters, offers am extraordinary view of the historic city center, the Arno river and the surrounding landscape. The body of the tower, in addition to the stairs, has a small room called "The Alberghetto" inside which, among others, Cosimo I and the friar Girolamo Savonarola were held prisoner.
How to reach us
By taxi, from Santa Maria Novella train station, it takes about 5 minutes to reach the Hotel. The taxi is allowed to cross the restricted-traffic UNESCO area and therefore this is a first surprising car tour in the heart of Florence. The cost is about 15 euros.
From the airport of Florence, you can reach the Hotel by taxi in 20 minutes at the cost of approx. €25. By the Tramway, urban rail transport system, it takes about 20 minutes to get to Santa Maria Novella station and it costs €1.5 per person.
From the Highway of the Sun A1, coming either from Bologna or Rome, take the Firenze Impruneta Exit and continue towards the centre of Florence, until you get to Porta Romana. Pass the Gate, then drive freely through the camera control into the LTZ (Limited Traffic Zone) as a client of our parking garage partner we’ll provide you.