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Piazza della Signoria (pic n°4) with the historic Palazzo Vecchio is the heart of Florence and, together with Ponte Vecchio is the main picture that people depict in their mind when thinking about this city. The worldwide-famous Uffizi Art Gallery is located just close to this square.

Piazza della Signoria is located in the city center just 700 meters away from Piazza del Duomo through the picturesque and lively Via dei Calzaiuoli and also can be easily reached from the train station by a 10-minute walking. Since the thirteenth century, when the square began having its current appearance, Piazza della Signoria has always been the political and administrative center of Florence ("Signoria" is an Italian word that describes a political control). It has also been the stage of many historical events, such as the Bonfire of the Vanities in 1497 by Girolamo Savonarola. Today, this L-shaped square is a real open-air museum, featuring some incredible works of art.

On the southern side of the square, there is the Loggia della Signoria (also known as Loggia dei Lanzi), built in 1382 and hosting some beautiful sculptures that you can admire without paying any ticket. The most famous sculpture here is Perseo by Benvenuto Cellini.

Walking towards the center of the square, you will find an equestrian monument dedicated to Cosimo I, Grand Duke of Tuscany in the sixteenth century, together with Fontana del Nettuno, a wonderful fountain built in 1575 by Ammannati and Giambologna.

On the side of Palazzo Vecchio (pic n°4), there are some statues, among them the copies of some masterpieces such as the Marzocco, a lion with Florence coat of arms, by Donatello, (the original statue is preserved in the Museo del Bargello of Florence) and the copy of the worldwide famous David by Michelangelo Buonarroti. You can admire the original marble statue of "Davide" (pic n°3), dated between 1501 and 1504 in the Galleria dell'Accademia of Florence.

The most imposing structure of the square is Palazzo Vecchio (pic n°4) or Palazzo della Signoria, a palace whose construction began in 1299 following the design by Arnolfo di Cambio. It was built as the center of civil power in Florence, as it used to host the highest Government body of the city, but it underwent several modifications and influences in the course of time, making it a place where many styles and historical periods intertwine. Today, this beautiful palace with battlements and a central Tower is open to visitors and home to some of the most beautiful Renaissance-style works of art.

Our visit to Palazzo Vecchio starts from the amazing finely-decorated porticos of Cortile di Michelozzo and continues inside. The main attraction is Salone dei Cinquecento (pic n°2), a majestic hall featuring beautiful ceiling coffers and amazing frescoes on the walls depicting the wars won by Florence. There is also a statue by Michelangelo representing The Genius of Victory.
There are many other halls that are worth a visit: from Quartieri Monumentali to Quartiere degli Elementi, from Sala dei Gigli to Quartiere di Eleonora: all of these salons are characterized by an impressive amount of frescoes, paintings, and elegant artworks. Take a deeper look at Sala della Giustizia, whose ceiling is laminated in pure gold, or Sala delle Mappe Geografiche, with beautiful, painted maps. Do not forget to visit Mezzanino (the mezzanine floor), which today hosts a gallery with many important paintings.