Piazza della Repubblica with its imposing triumphal arch, is a large popular public square with street-artists and impromptu exhibitions along with several cafes popular with the city's artists and writers. Around the square are hotels, small department stores and classy shops. It is a great place to chill out and watch the world go by!
The site of the Piazza della Repubblica is steeped in history. It is said to have been the city's first Roman forum situated in the centre of the city; then an old market (Mercato Vecchio), and a Jewish Ghetto, before ancient monuments, churches and buildings were tragically demolished in the late 19th century to expand the square to what it is today. Although, The Column of Abundance (Colonna dell'Abbondanza) from the piazza del Mercato was saved and it is still standing in the square. The present column dates to 1431, although the statue of Abbondanza is a 1956 replica.
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