Palazzo Vecchio

The Palazzo Vecchio was intended to be the seat of government for the city and today houses Florence's City Council.

When it was built in 1299 it was a palace for the Priors, who were then the governors of Florence.

Later it was the palace of the Duke Cosimo I de' Medici.

Michelangelo's David originally stood outside the Palazzo Vecchio.

In 1873 it was moved to the Accademia Gallery, and now a copy stands in its place.