It is one of the main squares of Florence, since Roman times: exactly where is the Column of Abundance, work by Giambattista Foggini (1431) - which stands on a pedestal in echelon and is the only witness to the Old Market Square, considered the the city's navel - intersected the cardus and decumanus maximi and opened the Foro, as evidenced by the archaeological traces found during nineteenth century demolition, on the occasion of which, the Square was lengthened and raised with a new floor in Luna marble: the remains of buildings from Via del Campidoglio to Via delle Terme, so renamed as a result of their findings. Over time, as well as being a meeting place in the heart of the city, the Square began to accommodate the market, to define itself as a public space for the businesses, which were opposed to the Piazza del Duomo, intended for religious events, and Piazza della Signoria, home of political and civil affairs. In the sixteenth century, the Market became "Old", following the construction of the Lodge of the "New Market", near Ponte Vecchio, near which it was also the Jewish Ghetto. After the War, the Square was renamed Republic Square, and today is the scene of street artists. Its present appearance is due to the numerous urban developments occurring after the Florence was proclaimed Capital of Italy, were destroyed many important buildings (Medieval towers, churches, corporate headquarters of Arts and palaces). The palaces, luxury hotels, department stores and cafes - including the historic Caffè "Giubbe Rosse" (meeting place for writers and artists of great fame) - made the new Square the Florence "parlor", followed the Eclectic fashion of the time, works by architects in vogue (Vincenzo Micheli, Luigi Buonamici, Giuseppe Boccini). The porches with the triumphal arch, called "Arcone", were designed by Micheli, inspired by Renaissance Florentine architecture.