Piazza dei Ciompi: A Historical Florentine Square
Explore Piazza dei Ciompi in Florence: a blend of history, architecture, and local charm in the heart of the Santa Croce district.
Piazza dei Ciompi, nestled in Florence's Santa Croce district, carries a rich history tied to the city's working class. The square is named in honor of the Ciompi, the wool carders of Florence, who staged a revolt in 1378 demanding better rights and representation. Although the revolt was ultimately unsuccessful, it remains a significant event in Florentine history as one of the first popular economic and social uprisings in Europe. In earlier times, Piazza dei Ciompi was known for its lively flea market, a place where locals and tourists could find antiques, art, old books, and various curiosities. After a period of renovation, the square has been transformed into a more open and welcoming space, featuring a garden area at its center. The large umbrella pine provides shade in the summer. One of the square's notable architectural features is the Loggia del Pesce, designed by Giorgio Vasari in 1567. Originally built to house the fish market near the Ponte Vecchio, it was moved to Piazza dei Ciompi in 1956 after being dismantled during Florence's urban renovation. Today, the Loggia adds a touch of historical charm to the square. While the flea market has been relocated to Largo Annigoni, a smaller market specializing in comics and vintage items sometimes takes place in Piazza dei Ciompi on the fourth weekend of each month. The square also features a children's playground and a small park maintained by local pensioners. Plaques on the surrounding buildings serve as a reminder of the devastating flood of 1966, indicating how high the water reached.
Local tips
- Look for the plaques on the buildings surrounding the square to see the high-water marks from the 1966 flood.
- Visit the nearby Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio for a taste of local Florentine food and culture.
- Check out the Mercato delle Pulci flea market in Largo Annigoni, near Piazza dei Ciompi.
A brief summary to Fish Market
- Piazza dei Ciompi, Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, 50122, IT
Getting There
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Walking
From Piazza Santa Croce, walk north along Via de' Benci towards Piazza dei Ciompi. Continue straight, crossing Via dell'Anguillara. The piazza will be on your right in about 5 minutes. No costs involved.
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Public Transport
From the Florence Train Station (Firenze Santa Maria Novella), take bus number 14 or 23 from the bus stop located outside the station. Ride the bus for about 15 minutes and get off at the 'Piazza dei Ciompi' stop. The square will be a short walk away. A single bus ticket costs €1.70.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout Florence. A short taxi ride from the city center to Piazza dei Ciompi will typically cost around €8-€10 during the day. Note that there is a minimum fare of €5.
