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David by Michelangelo |
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Piazza della Signoria |
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Perseus With The Head of Medusa by Cellini |
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Panorama view of Piazza della Signoria |
Piazza della Signoria has pride of place as the historical,
political, and emotional heart of Florence. The most prominent feature
of the piazza is the Palazzo della Signoria or Palazzo Vecchio,
Florence's town hall (still the seat of the local government, it is a
working building housing many offices that Florentines use on a daily
basis, as well as the mayor's office). Built on the site of a
first-century Roman theatre
(the ruins of which can now be visited), the first phase of the Palazzo
was constructed from 1298 to 1302 by Arnolfo di Cambio, although it was
enlarged several times thereafter. Its distinctive tower was added in
1310. The internal courtyard, updated by Michelozzo and decorated by
Vasari (and known as the Cortile di Michelozzo), is open to the public free of charge; the Palazzo Museum itself charges admission fee.
Pictures by MSW
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