Piazza della Repubblica is one of the most significant and elegant squares in the center of Florence, lined with porticoed nineteenth century palazzi, high-end boutiques, Grand Dame hotels, historic cafés and bustling restaurants. A walk around this excellent public space is an unquestionable requirement during any Florence touring visit. It was known as Piazza Esedra until the 1950s, and numerous more seasoned local people actually allude to it by its old name. In the focal point of the square is the enormous Fountain of the Naiads, or water sprites.