Tourist Attractions in Florence, Italy - Piazza Santa Croce

Settle down on a bench and read a book, or watch passers-by or look at the play of light on the façade of Santa Croce. Go back on the wings of time to the 13th century and find yourself standing in the square listening to the thundering sermons of a brown-robed Franciscan monk. Watch the flag on the pulpit flying indicating the direction of the wind as a primitive sound gauge used in medieval times for their sermons to reach the furthest parts of the city.

Imagine the medieval houses crammed together with the only free space available which was in front of the church. The Franciscan friars of the Begging Order who went round preaching persuaded the poor to people the square. Soon the tanners brought in their workshops and the air smelled terrible but the people bustled around.

Let your mind travel to the medieval ambience when the monks encouraged the people to entertain themselves with feasts, tournaments and games on the Square which would strengthen the ties between the church and the lay man. Now you know why there are no monuments built on the Square. Only a center-line has been drawn to transform the Square into a football ground, a game which is still a favorite today.