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Originally the palazzo was not called Vecchio, meaning old, but Pubblico, having come into being to house the gonfaloniers and priors, the lawmakers of the city and the council of the republic. Later, during oligarchic times, it was used by the lords of the city, becoming the ducal palace, called Palazzo della Signoria, after 1540 when the Medici moved there. They used it as their seat of government until 1567 when they moved to the Palazzo Pitti. It was then referred to as the Palazzo Vecchio and became a symbol of past times.
The palazzo was built by Arnolfo di Cambio and rose somewhat proud and forbidding on the town square which had been cleared of houses and Ghibelline towers. The strong stone façade had twin-light mullioned windows and was crowned by a gallery that jutted out with Guelf-style corbels and crenellations, topped by a superb tower.
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