Piazzale des Offices, Public square near Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, Italy
Piazzale degli Uffizi is a long, narrow square in central Florence, running between Palazzo Vecchio and the Arno River. Both long sides are lined with an open portico of arches supported by stone columns, creating a covered walkway on each side.
Giorgio Vasari designed this space in 1560 as part of an administrative complex built for Florence's magistrates next to Palazzo Vecchio. The marble sculptures of Tuscan figures were added in the 19th century, long after the building itself was finished.
The 28 marble figures lining the portico represent people from Tuscan history, from artists to scientists. Many visitors walk slowly along them, reading the names on the bases before entering the gallery.
The square is easy to reach on foot from Florence's historic center and sits right next to the gallery entrance. Coming early in the morning or late in the afternoon helps, as the area can get very crowded during the day.
Under the central arch at the far end of the square stands a statue of Cosimo I de' Medici from 1585, flanked by two allegorical figures representing Rigor and Equity. This grouping sets it apart from every other statue in the portico, which each stand alone.
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