Palazzo Vecchio Tourism

Palazzo Vecchio, meaning 'Old Palace,' is a historic town hall situated in the center of Florence, Italy. This massive, Romanesque, crenellated fortress-palace is among the most impressive town halls in Tuscany. Overlooking the Piazza della Signoria with its copy of Michelangelo's David statue as well as the gallery of statues in the adjacent Loggia dei Lanzi, Palazzo Vecchio is one of the most significant public places in Italy. Constructed between the late 13th and the early 14th century, it originally served as the seat of the city's government and is now a museum. The structure was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio, one of Italy's pre-eminent architects of the time. The Palazzo Vecchio's facade is adorned with a series of coats of arms representing the city's various rulers over the centuries. Inside, the palace is equally impressive, with opulent chambers, grand courtyards, and a series of elaborately decorated rooms. The most renowned of these is the Salone dei Cinquecento, which is rich in history and artistic masterpieces, including works by Michelangelo and Vasari.