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Palazzo Vecchio, a monument of exceptional artistic and historic importance, has been the citys political center over the centuries. The building was erected as the seat of the Priors of the Guilds, probably according to the plans of Arnolfo di Cambio (XIII-XIV centuries). It was then the home of the Signoria of the Republic until 1540, when Cosimo I de Medici made it the residence of the Ducas family. Vasari then converted it into a sumptuous palace in which the outstanding highlights are the Salone dei Cinquecento, the precious Study of Francesco I, the fine frescoes in Eleonoras Apartments and the Rooms of the Elements.
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Western Europe
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