Tuscany, Italy: Palazzo Vecchio, Florence

Despite being seven centuries after it was built, Palazzo Vecchio continues to be used as the Town Hall of Florence. Whatever you do, don’t assume this is some boring city council building. Palazzo Vecchio houses many works of art from the Studiolo of Francesco I, features a huge tower and is generally breathtaking.

Started in 1299 the building was extended first of all in the mid-14th century, then at the end of the 15th century and again in the 16th. Once home to the mighty Cosimo Medici and served as a political center for many a year after. It regained that status once again in 1875.

The courtyards have enough to enthral any visitor for hours. Italy is famous for its fountains and you will not be disappointed here. The Putto with Dolphin features in this fountain and spouts water that comes all the way from Boboli gardens. The frescos feature scenes from Austrian Hapsburg estates, demonstrating the connection between Florentines and their neighbors from the north. That connection was made concrete with the wedding between the eldest son of Cosimo the Elder and the sister of Emperor Maximilian.

Spend some time in the Salone dei Cinquecento which was once a grand hall of the Grand Duke Cosimo I. There you will witness some of the Pallazzo’s finest frescos. Scenes depicting The Taking of Siena and Pisa Attacked by the Florentines are only two among many extolling the ruler’s military adventures.

Within the palace-fortress you will have the chance to explore many small side rooms too.

In the Hercules Room you will find a painted ceiling depicting the heroic qualities of the mythical Greek hero. Whilst the Room of Jupiter will reveal a fresco of the Roman god on the ceiling. However the most stunning feature would have to be the 14th century tapestries hung on the wall. If tapestries are your great love then the Ceres Room has some depicting hunting scenes. Perhaps the most aw-inspiring is the Room of Cybele which houses cabinets made from tortoise shell and bronze.

For those who enjoy looking at maps and globes, you will find a vast collection in the Sala delle Carte. They will give you an idea of how the world was viewed circa 1563.

Close by you’ll find the apartment of Eleonora of Toledo who was the wife of Cosimo. At the forefront of sights is the Bronzio fresco painted in the mid-16th century. The Chapel of Signoria, including the frescoes on the walls of the Hall of Liles, is another must-see element of the palace.

From the top one can overlook the Piazza della Signoria and see a copy of Michelangelo’s statue of David, along with the statues in the Loggia dei Lanzi.

The Palazzo is not a place to visit in a rush. Take time to explore in full detail and don’t forget all those nooks and crannies.