One of the main squares in Florence, the Piazza della Repubblica was once a thriving medieval plaza densely packed with markets, tabernacles, churches, and even a Jewish Ghetto. Alas, traces of its medieval charms almost vanished when the town council decided to widen the square and ‘clean up' the Medieval towers, churches, and homes in the 18th century. To relive its nostalgic past, one can view prints and paintings housed at the museum Firenzecom'era (Florence as it was). Today, the square is a stage for impromptu street performances. Check out the historical Caffé Gilli, Caffé Paskowski, and Caffé delle Giubbe Rosse, which were favorite haunts for many Florentine artists and writers in the past. Relishing an aromatic cup of coffee with delicious Italian biscotti while enjoying the bohemian atmosphere at the Piazza della Repubblica is certainly an experience not to be missed when in Florence.