Palazzo Vecchio – for a symbol of Florentine power

The Palazzo Vecchio, with its bold swallowtail crenellations and asymmetrical belltower, is the most evocative of city symbols. This town hall, under different guises, has been the emblem of Florentine power since the 14th century. The crenellated palace overlooks the Piazza della Signoria, the city’s grandest square, and a copy of Michelangelo’s David. Inside the palace, Vasari’s monumental staircase leads to the Salone dei Cinquecento, where members of the Great Council met. The interior is adorned with Renaissance art, including works by Michelangelo. The Palazzo Vecchio is one of the best Florentine museums to have moved into the 21st century in terms of multimedia presentation. En route, the palace reveals different stories, including insights into Medici court life. For a moody tour, opt for an evening visit: the Palazzo Vecchio is usually open until very late between April and September. One tour explores the tower and battlements while another takes you across a lofty footbridge to the Uffizi Gallery, essentially the first part of the Vasari Corridor (book a time slot).

Address: Piazza della Signoria, Florence
Web: http://museicivicifiorentini.comune.fi.it/en/palazzovecchio/