Palazzo Vecchio dominates over the Piazza della Signoria in Florence. Its construction began in 1299 probably by designs of Arnolfo di Cambio. Here had gathered the city’s Council and in 1540 Palazzo Vecchio become the residence of Duke Cosimo First.
After the 9 years Cosimo moved his residence into Palazzo Pitti and then the building gained its current name (word “vecchio” means “old”).
Today Palazzo Vecchio again hosts the city’s Council but most of its space is open for public. Entrance to the Palazzo Vecchio lies through the internal yard which has been built in 1453 by designs Michelozzo and later adorned by Giorgio Vasari on the occasion of marriage between Francesco de 'Medici and Johanna of Austria.
Internal yard of Palazzo Vecchio. Photo provided by the TK Vanacoro under CC BY 3.0 license. Fountain in the center is a work of Andrea del Verrocchio who was a teacher of Leonardo da Vinci. It was moved here from Medici's villa in Caredgi
Palazzo Vecchio - grand hall. Photo provided by the Eusebius under CC BY 3.0 license. Salone dei Cinquecento has been developed to conduct the meetings of city’s Council. The walls of hall were adorned by Vasari’s murals which are devoted to the glory of Florence.
Giorgio Vasari - Defeat of Radagasio below Fiesole
Palazzo vecchio, michelangelo, genio della vittoria. Photo provided by the sailko under CC BY 3.0 license.
You can find this Michelangelo’s work in front of to entrance to the grand hall. Nephew of Michelangelo gifted this statue to Cosimo, who ordered Vasari install it in grand hall to commemorate Florence’s victory over Siena
Studiolo di francesco I. Photo provided by the sailko under CC BY 3.0 license. Srudio di Franseco is a former private room of Cosimo’s son. It was adorned by the common effort of 30 artists
