Piazza della Republica Florence

Staying in a discount hotel close to the Piazza della Republica in Florence places you by the largest piazza of the city, which used to be trading and bartering center. It is situated in the centre of Florence, just a couple of minutes walk from the Duomo, via Via Roma. Compared with the rest of the city this piazza is very new, as it only dates back to the 19th century when the old buildings of the decrepit medieval neighborhood, called Piazza del Mercato Vecchio or the Old Market Square, were demolished and the present piazza erected. Today’s Piazza della Republica is bustling with people, street-artists, street-performers and street-vendors. Occasionally some impromptu exhibitions line the sides of the piazza, and some fabulous art can be found there. It is lined with numerous cafes and outdoor tables. The Edison (Florence’s largest bookshop) and Riccordi the music store are located there as well.