The Tower Of Palazzo Vechio, One Of The Symbols Of Florence. Royalty-Free Stock Photography

Torre di Arnolfo, the tower of Palazzo Vecchio takes its name from the architect Arnolfo di Cambio – an important personality in the Medieval Florence – who is considered its author. The tower is with no doubt one of the symbols of the town: it towers on the other buildings, with its 95 mt. of height.The tower was built at the beginning of the 14th century, with the first nucleus of the palace. In the same period, the ‘Government of the First People’ dictated to the unruly Florentine families to reduce the height of their towers. The function of Arnolfo’s tower was also a defence one: from the top it was possible to see enemies and to protect Government’s exponents. The tower offers spectacular views of Florence and its surroundings, not just at the very top but also along the way up thanks to several openings as well as the picturesque round of battlements that crown the palace. The climb to the tower is quite pleasant, despite its height and the 400 steps to the top. Florence, Tuscany, Italy.