The “power centre” of the city is Piazza della Signoria with the mighty Palazzo Vecchio (built in 1299-1314), the former seat of the head of the guild, the city domination and the residence of the Grand Duke. In front of Palazzo Vecchio is a copy of the famous marble statue of David (1501-1504) by Michelangelo Buonarroti. The monumental statue was created as a symbol of courage, the strength and dignity of the Florentine republic. The original of Michelangelo’s David can be admired in the Galleria dell’ Accademia.