Palazzo Vecchio

The Palazzo Vecchio is the most important civil building in Florence. Its construction began in 1299 at the request of Arnolfo di Cambio. Initially it was the seat of the Priors of the Arts and the Signoria and the home of the Grand Duke Cosimo I de Medici, until they moved to the Palazzo Pitti. During the period 1550-1565, Vassari completely decorated it to make it available to the ruling family. It now boasts a stunning interior, with its rooms and bedrooms, the living room of the Cinquecento, the Hall of Francesco I de Medici etc.