By the Middle Ages, the Florentine republic was ruled by a council, known as the signoria. The signoria was chosen by the gonfaloniere (titular ruler of the city), who was elected every two months by Florentine guild members.  Below is the robe and shoes typically worn by the counsil members.

 

The magnificent Salone dei Cinquecento.  Absolutely amazing!

 

My tour group got to climb into the rafters over the main Salone and marveled not only at the engineering feat, but the fact that most of these timbers were placed in the 14th century.  Oh, what this lumber has endured–manmade and natural.

 

 

 

Dante’s death mask below.

 

The painted ceiling of the room in which the Dante mask is stored.