Piazza della Repubblica is the main square in Cortona and the first one you encounter when walking up from the city gates.
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Piazza della Repubblica

5
·1 reviews·Cortona, Italy

Florence's grand central square, featuring a magical carousel and historic cafés, perfect for soaking in Italian charm.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, golden light

CrowdLow
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Piazza della Repubblica is the main square in Cortona and the first one you encounter when walking up from the city gates.

Piazza della Repubblica

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, golden light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Florence's grand central square, featuring a magical carousel and historic cafés, perfect for soaking in Italian charm.

5
(1 reviews)

"A dream to wander about, this piazza is the heart of Florence's vibrant energy."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Capture the Carousel Magic

The iconic carousel is a must-see! Great for photos, especially with kids.

☕️ Enjoy a Historic Coffee

Experience classic Italian coffee culture at legendary spots like Caffè Gilli.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Carousel

The Grand Carousel

Center of the piazza

A classic, ornate carousel that brings a touch of magic and nostalgia to the bustling square.

Historic Cafés

Historic Cafés

Surrounding the piazza

Sip coffee at iconic establishments like Caffè Gilli, soaking in the elegant atmosphere and people-watching.

The Arch of Triumph

The Arch of Triumph

One side of the piazza

A monumental archway that adds grandeur to the piazza, often a focal point for photos.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Piazza della Repubblica

Piazza della Repubblica can get busy, especially during peak tourist seasons. Consider visiting early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the largest crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience. Check local event listings as the piazza sometimes hosts demonstrations or festivals.

Navigating the Piazza and Beyond

While Piazza della Repubblica is a central hub, remember it's just one of many beautiful squares in Florence. If you're using it as a starting point, familiarize yourself with nearby attractions. Public transport is readily available, making it easy to explore other parts of the city.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, golden light
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour, lively atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Evenings
Why
Magical lights, vibrant buzz
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A dream to wander about ✨ #tuscany #toscana #cortona #travelitaly
@sonia.c.mota
6.8K likes • 116.7K views

📸 Capture the Carousel Magic

The iconic carousel is a must-see! Great for photos, especially with kids. TikTokInstagram

☕️ Enjoy a Historic Coffee

Experience classic Italian coffee culture at legendary spots like Caffè Gilli. Instagram

Cortona is always a favourite. It’s super easy to reach by public transport (get off the train at Camucia-Cortona and hop on the bus outside the station to get to the hilltop town) and it’s such a lovely spot for a day trip or as a base. The real life Under the Tuscan Sun villa is a few minutes away, it’s called Villa Bramasole! #visittuscany #cortona #underthetuscansun #tuscany
@visittuscany
5.5K likes • 388.9K views
Inno italiano alla manifestazione in piazza della Repubblica @difendi.la.citta
onlylocalnews
444 likes • 16K views

🚶‍♀️ Stroll from Porta a Prato

Walk from Porta a Prato to reach the piazza; it's a scenic route through Florence. TikTok

📍 Central Florence Hub

Piazza della Repubblica is a key landmark, perfect for meeting up or starting your city exploration. TikTok

🔴 CORTEO A UDINE. 20 ARRESTI, UNA GIORNALISTA FERITA ALLA TESTA. In piazza della Repubblica a #Udine si trova la nostra inviata Giulia Bertotto. Da lì è partito il corteo contro la partita di #calcio #ItaliaIsraele che ancora si sta disputando. Sono stati arrestati 20 manifestanti mentre una giornalista, #ElisaDossi, è stata colpita alla testa, è grave. Tutti i dettagli da Giulia Bertotto - i...
byoblu
573 likes • 38.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the Carousel Magic

The iconic carousel is a must-see! Great for photos, especially with kids. TikTokInstagram

☕️ Enjoy a Historic Coffee

Experience classic Italian coffee culture at legendary spots like Caffè Gilli. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Stroll from Porta a Prato

Walk from Porta a Prato to reach the piazza; it's a scenic route through Florence. TikTok

📍 Central Florence Hub

Piazza della Repubblica is a key landmark, perfect for meeting up or starting your city exploration. TikTok

🍬 Sweet Treats Nearby

Discover a new tiramisu shop that opened near the piazza with various flavors! Instagram

What Travellers Say

5
(1 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Piazza della Repubblica is a vibrant and historically significant square in Florence, praised for its iconic carousel and elegant cafés. Visitors enjoy its central location and lively atmosphere, though some find the prices at the historic establishments to be quite high. It's a must-visit for its charm and as a gateway to exploring the city.

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Marcellino

What People Like

Iconic carousel
Historic cafés
Central location

What People Dislike

Expensive cafés
Crowded at peak times

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Piazza della Repubblica is centrally located in Florence, making it easily accessible on foot from many major attractions. If arriving by public transport, numerous bus lines stop nearby. For those coming from further afield, the Florence Santa Maria Novella train station is a short walk away. TikTokInstagram

Yes, it's a very prominent and central square in Florence, often mentioned as a landmark. You'll likely pass through it or near it during your explorations. TikTokInstagram

Taxis are readily available in Florence and can drop you off near the piazza. It's a well-known destination, so drivers will have no trouble finding it. TikTok

From Florence Airport (FLR), you can take the tram T2 line directly to the city center (Unità stop), which is a short walk from Piazza della Repubblica. Alternatively, taxis are available. TikTok

Parking in central Florence can be challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transport or walk. If you must drive, look for paid parking garages like Garage Europa or Garage Giglio. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Piazza della Repubblica is a public square and is free to enter and explore at any time. TikTokInstagram

As a public square, Piazza della Repubblica is always open. However, individual shops and cafés surrounding the piazza will have their own operating hours. Instagram

Yes, the carousel is an attraction within the piazza and typically requires a fee for rides. Prices can vary. TikTok

Absolutely! Cafés like Caffè Gilli are open to the public, though they can be pricey. It's a great spot to experience Florentine history and enjoy a coffee or pastry. Instagram

Piazza della Repubblica often hosts events, markets, and sometimes demonstrations. It's worth checking local event listings for Florence during your visit. TikTokInstagram+3

📸 📸 Photography

The ornate carousel is a prime subject, especially when lit up. The Arch of Triumph offers a grand backdrop, and the historic cafés provide charming street photography opportunities. TikTokInstagram

The carousel is a popular spot, so expect crowds. Visiting early in the morning or late in the evening can help you get clearer shots. TikTok

Early mornings offer soft light and fewer people. Late afternoons and evenings provide beautiful golden hour light and the magical glow of the piazza's lights. TikTokInstagram

Drone usage is generally restricted in crowded urban areas and historical centers like Florence due to safety and privacy regulations. It's best to avoid flying drones here. TikTok

Try capturing the carousel from different levels, or frame it with the surrounding historic buildings. The Arch of Triumph is also great for wide-angle shots. TikTokInstagram

🍽️ ☕️ Food & Dining

The piazza itself is home to historic and upscale cafés like Caffè Gilli. For more varied options, explore the surrounding streets, which offer trattorias, pizzerias, and gelaterias. Instagram+1

While the cafés directly on the piazza can be expensive, venturing a few streets away will reveal more affordable trattorias and pizzerias. Look for places frequented by locals. Instagram

You can find classic Italian coffee, pastries, and light meals at the historic cafés. There's also a popular tiramisu shop nearby with various flavors. Instagram+1

Yes, Caffè Gilli is known for being a historic and elegant establishment, and its prices reflect that. It's more of a splurge for the experience. Instagram

Florence is famous for its gelato! You'll find numerous gelaterias in the streets surrounding Piazza della Repubblica, offering a wide array of flavors. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Piazza della Repubblica is a fantastic spot for families. The ornate carousel is a guaranteed hit with children, offering a fun and memorable ride. TikTok It's also a great place to grab a treat, with a popular tiramisu shop nearby offering various flavors that kids will love. Instagram

Its central location makes it easy to navigate with little ones, and it serves as a good landmark for meeting up. While the historic cafés can be pricey, the lively atmosphere and the carousel provide plenty of entertainment without breaking the bank. Consider it a perfect spot for a mid-day break or an evening stroll.

couples

For couples, Piazza della Repubblica offers a blend of romance and classic Italian charm. Enjoy a leisurely stroll hand-in-hand, perhaps stopping for a romantic coffee at an elegant historic café like Caffè Gilli, soaking in the sophisticated atmosphere. Instagram The carousel can also be a fun, nostalgic experience to share. TikTok

As evening approaches, the piazza becomes beautifully illuminated, creating a magical setting for a romantic walk. It's a central point from which you can easily access other romantic parts of Florence, like the Arno River or charming trattorias for dinner.

budget travelers

While the cafés directly on Piazza della Repubblica can be expensive, there are ways to enjoy the area on a budget. The piazza itself is free to explore, and the carousel offers a relatively affordable treat for a few euros. TikTok Look for a nearby tiramisu shop for a delicious and reasonably priced dessert. Instagram

To save on meals, venture a few streets away from the main piazza. You'll find more authentic and budget-friendly trattorias and pizzerias frequented by locals. Walking to the piazza from the train station or other central points also saves on transportation costs. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Heart of Florence: Piazza della Repubblica's Significance

Piazza della Repubblica is one of Florence's main squares, historically significant as the site of the ancient Roman forum and later the city's old market. Its current form dates back to the late 19th century when the area was redeveloped. The piazza is characterized by its grand architecture, including the impressive Arch of Triumph, and is a vibrant hub for both locals and tourists. TikTokInstagram

Today, it's a lively meeting point, famous for its ornate carousel that adds a whimsical touch to the urban landscape. The surrounding buildings house historic cafés, upscale shops, and offices, making it a dynamic center of Florentine life. Its central location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the city's many treasures. TikTokInstagram

While the piazza itself is a destination, its true charm lies in its role as a gateway to the rest of Florence. It’s a place where you can pause, enjoy a coffee, watch the world go by, and then easily venture out to discover the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and other iconic landmarks. TikTok

Experiencing the Piazza's Charm: Carousel and Cafés

The Piazza della Repubblica carousel is a beloved feature, especially for families. Its intricate design and cheerful music create a festive atmosphere, offering a delightful break from sightseeing. Many visitors, young and old, find joy in taking a ride or simply admiring its craftsmanship. TikTok

Surrounding the piazza are some of Florence's most historic and elegant cafés, most notably Caffè Gilli. Established in 1733, it offers a glimpse into Florentine café culture of yesteryear, with opulent interiors and a refined ambiance. Enjoying a coffee or a pastry here is an experience in itself, though it comes with a premium price tag. Instagram

Beyond the main attractions, the piazza is a place to simply be. Grab a gelato from a nearby shop, find a bench, and soak in the sights and sounds of this bustling Florentine square. It’s a perfect spot for people-watching and experiencing the everyday rhythm of the city. Instagram

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