The political centre of Florence since the 14th Century, its town hall remains till today as the seat of the local government. The historic setting of the square was once decorated by many of Florence’s great triumphs, such as the return of the Medici – a royal house whose line produced three Popes – and the Bonfire of the Vanities, where supporters of the friar Savonarola would publicly burn condemned objects like mirrors, manuscripts, and even musical instruments. It was believed that these items would entice people commit sin – pride being one of them – and was what Savonarola considered as excessive art and luxury. However, his antics did not sit well with Pope Alexander VI, and he was eventually burned at the stake as a heretic here in 1498. A circular marble inscription can be found in the square, marking the spot where he met his demise, and makes for a fantastic spot to touch up your make-up or read a book in punk defiance towards Savonarola!