Tuscany.

Step inside Florence’s seat of civic power for decorated rooms and a direct link between the Piazza della Signoria and the city’s government.

The palace makes Florence’s political history tangible through rooms built for public ceremony and Medici rule. Its austere exterior dominates the square, while the museum interior reveals a different scale and decoration. Moving from the piazza into the ceremonial rooms makes that shift from fortress to court especially clear.

• The palace’s fortified exterior and Arnolfo tower
• The large ceremonial hall
• Historic rooms within the civic museum

Keep the museum visit distinct from simply viewing the exterior in the square.

Check the museum’s current opening times before making it the timed stop on a civic-centre walk.