Vecchio Palace and Piazza della Signoria

A symbol of the city, the Vecchio Palace originally served as the seat of Florence’s government. Its name translates to “Old Palace”, as Cosimo de’ Medici lived here for several years before moving into the Pitti Palace. It then housed the government’s offices, and the Medici family’s most precious belongings. Today, you can still admire the stunning rooms and artwork that once surrounded Cosimo de’ Medici. This medieval palace was built in the 14th century towering over the Piazza della Signoria. This is the biggest square in Florence, and among the most beautiful. On the right of the palace’s imposing façade, you’ll see the Loggia dei Lanzi, an open-air gallery of sculptures by great Florentine artists. On the left, you’ll see the Fountain of Neptune. The god of the sea stands proudly at the center, symbolising the city’s maritime power. Take a closer look though, you might notice someone else instead of Neptune… That’s right—it resembles Cosimo de’ Medici! In case the square didn’t flaunt the Medicis enough, a few years later, an equestrian statue of Cosimo was added a few metres from the fountain. He really is everywhere! Full of history, Piazza della Signoria is also one of the liveliest places in Florence, where locals and visitors watch performances by talented street artists.