The Palazzo Vecchio, which dominates the Piazza della Signoria in Florence, is not only an iconic symbol of political power but also a place where food history has unfolded. During the Renaissance era, Florence was a hub of gastronomic innovation, and noble feasts at the Palazzo Vecchio reflected the city's culinary prestige. Banquets held within its walls would display the opulence of the Medici family who ruled Florence. They were famous for their lavish spread of dishes, showcasing the richness of Italian cuisine, inspired by both local and international influences. It was in such environments that Catherine de Medici is said to have influenced French cuisine with Florentine practices when she married into French royalty.