Rob in Italy
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Inside Tower, Palazzo Vecchio, Florence (day 12)

16-April-2002 (Tuesday): For me, one of the most enjoyable attractions of Florence was the Palazzo Vecchio. First erected in 1299, the palace served as the home of the Signoria (the highest tier of the city's republican government). But in 1540, the duke of Florence, Cosimo I, moved in, cleaned house, and began massive renovations.

I particularly enjoyed the 90 minute tour of the palace's secret passageways, most of which were created by Cosimo I for his son or wife (his son was a bit of a recluse, and liked to steal away into a private study that no one knew about). The tour was interesting, and the only way to see the passageways. Unfortunately, the pictures I took didn't really turn out.

I returned to Milan by train just in time to avoid the General Strike, which closed public transportation and was the cause of great organized protests in Florence (the army was on hand to maintain order).

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