Whilst the Duomo is the most important religious building, the Palazzo Vecchio is the most important administrative building in Florence. This structure stood as the palace of the Signoria of the Republic of Florence and was also a town hall in later years. Originally built in 1299, the Palazzo was designed by the same architects that worked on the Duomo and the church of Santa Croce.
With a square design and a number of crenulations, the building almost looks like a castle; it also has a large bell tower. On the front facade, a series of the coast of arms can be seen that represent various families and important individuals relating to the history of the city. The interior of the palace is also sublime with a series of originally decorated rooms such as The Hercules Room and The Room of Cybele.
