Home Destinations Europe Italy Florence Sights Piazza Santa Croce

Piazza Santa Croce Review

Read our Florence sights reviews. Or post your own.

• Overview
• Places to Explore
• Sights
• Restaurants
• Hotels
• Entertainment
• Shopping
• Features
• Fodor's Choice
• Deals
• Italian Phrases
• Guidebooks

Fodor's Florence, Tuscany & Umbria, 9th Edition

Fodor's Florence's 25 Best, 7th Edition

Fodor's See It Florence & Tuscany, 3rd Edition

Fodor's Exploring Tuscany, 5th Edition

Fodor's Italy 2010

Fodor's Essential Italy, 2nd Edition

Fodor's See It Italy, 3rd Edition

Fodor's Exploring Italy, 7th Edition

Piazza Santa Croce

Fodor's Review:

Originally outside the city's 12th-century walls, this piazza grew with the Franciscans, who used the large square for public preaching. During the Renaissance it was used for giostre (jousts), including one sponsored by Lorenzo de' Medici. "Bonfires of the vanities" occurred here, as well as soccer matches in the 16th century. Lined with many palazzi dating from the 15th century, it remains one of Florence's loveliest piazze and is a great place to people-watch.

Get Advice From Other Travelers

Visit the Travel Talk forums for help on planning your trip

• Itinerary Help- Can't decide between Amalfi/Sorrento or Amalfi/Tuscany
  5 responses; most recent on 11/27/2009 at 01:38 AM
• Luxury Hotels in Rome, Italy
  45 responses; most recent on 11/27/2009 at 01:20 AM
• Italy and France
  7 responses; most recent on 11/26/2009 at 10:23 PM

Expert Advice on Taking Better Travel Photos

Get the Fodor's Newsletter

For more travel ideas, tips, and deals, sign up for the Fodor's newsletter here. Read the current issue. Browse previous issues.