The cathedral of Florence is built as a basilica, having a wide central nave of four square bays, with an aisle on either side.

The chancel and transepts are of identical polygonal plan, separated by two smaller polygonal chapels.

The whole plan forms a Latin cross. The nave and aisles are separated by wide pointed Gothic arches resting on composite piers.

Originally the building was started in the 5^th century as another church and grew and grew over the centuries to a cathedral. By the 13^th century work had started on it to become an even greater building.

The Palazzo Vecchio is the town hall of Florence. It overlooks the Piazza della Signoria with its copy of Michelangelo’s David statue as well as the gallery of statues in the adjacent Loggia dei Lanzi.

As it happens Michelangelo’s real statue stood at the entrance from its completion in 1504 to 1873, before it was moved to the Accademia Gallery.

In 1299, the commune and people of Florence decided to build a palace that would be worthy of the city’s importance. In addition that would be more secure and defensible in times of turbulence for the magistrates of the commune.