Piazza della Signoria & Palazzo Vecchio
Piazza della Signoria
The Piazza della Signoria has been the political heart of Florence since the Middle Ages — here governance, judgment, and revolution took place. The square is an open-air sculpture museum: In front of the Palazzo Vecchio stands a copy of Michelangelo's David (the original stood here until 1873), alongside Bandinelli's Hercules and Cacus, Donatello's Judith, and Ammannati's Neptune Fountain.
Loggia dei Lanzi
The open Loggia dei Lanzi (14th century) on the south side of the square houses masterpieces of sculpture — free and without queues: Giambologna's "Rape of the Sabine Women" (1583) and Benvenuto Cellini's "Perseus with the Head of Medusa" (1545–1554). The latter is one of the most dramatic bronze sculptures of all time — Perseus triumphantly holds the severed head of Medusa, with blood spurting from the neck.
Palazzo Vecchio
The Palazzo Vecchio (1299–1314) with its distinctive 94-meter tower (Torre d'Arnolfo) is still the town hall of Florence today. Once the seat of the Signoria (city government), then the residence of the Medici (before they moved to the Palazzo Pitti), it is now both a museum and an administrative seat.
- Salone dei Cinquecento: The vast council hall (54 x 23 meters) with Vasari's ceiling paintings and wall frescoes. Here Leonardo and Michelangelo were supposed to compete — both works remained unfinished, but the hall is overwhelming nonetheless.
- Studiolo di Francesco I: A tiny cabinet full of Mannerist paintings — the most intimate and peculiar room in the palace.
- Tower: Climbable, with one of the best views over Florence.
Admission: Museum: 12.50€, Tower: 12.50€, Combo: 17.50€.
Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio (1345) is the oldest bridge in Florence and the only one not destroyed by the Germans in World War II — allegedly on Hitler's orders, who was impressed by its beauty. Since the 16th century, goldsmiths have been based here (previously it was butchers, whom Grand Duke Ferdinand I expelled due to the stench). Above the shops runs the Corridoio Vasariano — the secret passage of the Medici between Palazzo Pitti and Palazzo Vecchio. Since 2024, the corridor has been reopened to visitors (reservation required, approximately 45€).
