Piazza dell’Unità Italiana set for major redesign with more trees and less traffic

A major redesign of Piazza dell’Unità Italiana has been presented by the municipality of Florence, with plans to transform the space into a greener and more pedestrian-friendly area. The project, valued at around €1.77 million, is expected to go to tender soon, with construction scheduled to begin in early 2027.

Located along the busy route between Santa Maria Novella railway station and the Duomo, the square is currently dominated by traffic and lacks clear identity or usable public space. City officials say the redesign is part of a broader strategy to rethink central public areas and make them more accessible and comfortable for daily use.

From traffic hub to public square

The project aims to significantly rebalance space in favour of pedestrians. The central pedestrian area will expand from about 1,035 to 1,822 square metres, an increase of 76%, while the roadway will shrink by 44%. Overall, more than two-thirds of the square will become pedestrian space, with traffic maintained on a reduced carriageway around the perimeter.

Parking will be reorganised, with spaces reserved mainly for residents and loading operations. The area available for events and public ceremonies will also increase.

More trees and measures against urban heat

A key feature of the redesign is the introduction of greenery to address heat and improve comfort. The project includes planting 13 new trees, in addition to three already installed in a previous phase. The selected species are intended to provide shade, seasonal variation and resilience to urban conditions.

Tree canopies are expected to cover about 60% of the green areas, creating shaded zones in a part of the historic centre that is currently among the most exposed to summer heat. More than 1,100 square metres of permeable surfaces will be added to allow rainwater absorption and contribute to cooling.

The central surface will be made of stabilised earth, a material chosen for its permeability and more natural appearance, while the roadway will use materials designed to absorb less heat than traditional asphalt.

Materials and design continuity

The redesign also focuses on visual consistency with nearby streets. Pavements will be widened and finished in sandstone similar to that used in Via Cerretani and Via Panzani, while other areas will use stone materials already present around the square to ensure continuity.

The layout will guide views and movement towards the central obelisk dedicated to war victims, which will remain a focal point for ceremonies.

Seating, lighting and everyday use

The new layout introduces around 15 seating elements distributed across the square, replacing the current informal use of steps around the monument. New lighting, inspired by traditional cast-iron street lamps but updated in a contemporary style, will improve visibility and safety in the evening.

Additional features include bicycle racks and protective elements to clearly separate pedestrian areas from traffic.

Part of a wider urban strategy

City officials describe the project as one element in a broader programme of square renovations across Florence, including areas such as Piazza Beccaria and Piazza Vittorio Veneto. The aim is to gradually reduce the dominance of cars in central spaces and improve environmental quality and usability.

Once completed, the redesigned Piazza dell’Unità Italiana is intended to function less as a transit roundabout and more as a place for daily life, with space for sitting, meeting and moving through the city on foot.

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