The L shaped Piazza della Signoria has been an important and popular square in Florence since the 13th century. Besides the many shops and restaurants, the piazza is an open-air gallery containing some wonderful buildings and pieces of art.
The Palazzo Vecchio (details further down!) dominates the Piazza, but it is not the only historic building to surround the square. On the north side stands the 16th century Palazzo degli Uguccioni, on the east side the Palazzo del Tribunale di Mercanzia (14th century), and the south side are Loggia dei Lanzi (14th century) and the 16th century Palazzo degli Uffizi, which houses the famous Uffizi Gallery
In the middle of the piazza is a bronze equestrian statue of Cosimo I, by Giambologna (1594). In front of the Palazzo Vecchio is a copy of the Statue of Michelangelo's David. The original statue of David was unveiled here on 8 September 1504, but was removed in 1873 to the Accademia Gallery to protect it from the elements.
Other highlights include Bartolomeo Ammannati's 'Neptune fountain' (1563–1565); a copy of Donatello's 'Marzocco' - the heraldic lion of Florence - (original in the Bargello), and a copy of Donatello's bronze statue of 'Judith and Holofernes' (original inside the Palazzo Vecchio!).
However, it is the Palazzo Vecchio that is the most important attraction. Architect Arnolfo di Cambio was commissioned by the guilds (the medieval government of nine guild members who governed Florence) to build Palazzo Vecchio in the late 13th century, to be the civic home of the Signoria.
The Medici family grew in power in medieval Florence and eventually in 1434 Cosimo de' Medici became the unofficial head of state. In 1540 the Medici family moved into their new residence the Palazzo Pitti, and thus the Palazzo della Signoria became known as the Palazzo Vecchio (old Palace).
The facade of the building remains much the same as Cambio designed it. The Palazzo's tower, at 94m (308ft) is the tallest in Florence.
Highlights of the interior contains includes a court yard designed by Michelozzo in 1453 and frescoes by Giorgio Vasari. The staircase leads up to the imposing chamber Salone dei Cinquecento (Hall of the Five Hundred), built by Simone del Pollaiolo in 1494. This room is decorated with tapestries and statues, of which Michelangelo's marble group "The Genius of Victory" (1533-1534) is an highlight. The other rooms are also decorated by Vasari, Bronzino, Ghirlandaio. And of particular note is the original Bronze statue of Donatello's Judith and Holofernes (1455). (A Copy is in the Square!)
Opening Hours
Palazzo Vecchio:
Daily 9am-7pm (Thurs 9am-2pm)
Piazza della Signoria:
24 hours
Price
Palazzo Vecchio: 6 Euro
Piazza della Signoria: FREE
Address
Piazza della Signoria
| | Judith and Holofernes by Donatello in Palazzo Vecchio (A copy is also on the square) |
 | | Salone dei Cinquecento |
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