Palazzo Vecchio

During your explorations of Florence, you will cross many times through the Piazza della Signoria, located in the heart of the old city. Facing this characterful medieval square is the 13^th-century Palazzo Vecchio, a stern stone structure topped by a crenellated gallery and dominated by a tall bell tower. It was here that the signoria (Florence’s powerful aristocratic ruling administrators) met for two months each year while attending to government business. During this period they were forbidden to leave the palace (except for funerals) so that there could not be a hint of suspicion of intrigue or bribery. Of course, you cannot miss one of Florence’s landmarks, the Ponte Vecchio. Spanning the Arno in the heart of Florence, this colorful bridge is lined with quaint shops just as it has been since the 14^th century.