Repubblica Square, or Piazza della Repubblica, is a huge square located in the Signoria District in Florence, Italy. This square perhaps more than any other has historic siginificance to Florentines and Italians, as it is the site of the old Florentine forum, and of the ghetto. The ghetto was dismantled during Italy’s reunification period, but its remains are still visible in the square, along with the rectangular facade, which denotes where two of the ancient roads to Rome came together. Because of its location, educated speculation about the construction and geography of the ancient Florentine forum can also be deduced, and the entire square is built over its ancient remains. Unfortunately, the “risanata”, or reunification and rebuilding of Florence and Italy was the reason for the destruction of many historically significant buildings, as broadening the square was considered a necessary improvement of the time. Today the piazza is a broad, modern place, with the world famous Caffe delle Giubbe Rosse taking up an entire side. This cafe has long been the gathering place of artists and writers, and its long walls are covered with photographs and mementos of its famous clientele of years gone by. The north side of the piazza is home to two other famous meeting places, Caffe Gilli and Caffe Paszkowski. Piazza della Repubblica has long been a favorite meeting place, both for locals and tourists.
