Palazzo d'Arnolfo, Medieval palace in San Giovanni Valdarno, Italy
Palazzo d'Arnolfo is a medieval palace in San Giovanni Valdarno with a tower rising from the center, topped with two rows of windows and battlements. The main facades feature four arches that define the building's character.
The palace was built in the 13th century and served as the headquarters for Florence's representatives and the civic council managing local government in the Valdarno region. It became an important center of authority over the central Italian territories.
The palace walls display over 250 coats of arms made from stone and ceramic, created between 1410 and 1769 by the Della Robbia family from different regions. These artworks become part of the visual identity as you walk through the rooms.
A museum inside the palace presents exhibits about urban development in medieval Tuscany through interactive educational displays showing how these towns were planned and built. Visitors can walk through the rooms to understand the region's urban history.
The ground floor portico contains octagonal pillars decorated with emblems of Florence and the Guelph party, including the Florentine lily and eagle. These symbolic representations show how closely the place was tied to Florentine power.
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