View of the Piazza della Signoria

Although Arnolfo’s architectural activity is now less clearly defined than his work as a sculptor, in Vasari’s view his reputation was based on his architecture. The only documentary evidence of Arnolfo’s work as an architect relates to the rebuilding of Florence Cathedral, plans for which were being made from 1294.

Vasari attributed a number of other important buildings, renovations and urban development projects in Florence and its territory to Arnolfo, among them the Loggia dei Lanzi, the Palazzo Vecchio and the Piazza della Signoria. However, Only the Badia and Santa Croce are now seriously regarded as Arnolfo’s work.

Arnolfo’s contribution to the Palazzo Vecchio is hard to assess. Completed in 1310, it was started in 1299 at a time when he was Master of the Cathedral Works. It can therefore be safely assumed that Arnolfo had some influence on the building of the town hall of Florence, although scholars are overwhelmingly inclined to doubt, or accept only with reservations, the claim made by Vasari that he was the designing architect.