Opposite the great mass of Palazzo Vecchio and running alongside Piazza della Signoria, you will see the Loggia. It was built between 1376 and 1382 in order to have an open, but covered, space for public ceremonies. It is a robust construction, at the same time sober and harmoniously designed.

It is known as the Loggia of the Lanzi, named after the German guards, the famous Lanzichenecchi, who were stationed here by the Grand Duke Cosimo I. The Loggia houses some important sculptures, among which you should notice the Rape of the Sabine Maidens by Giambologna, dated 1583, and the well-known bronze statue of Perseus by Benvenuto Cellini.
On the left of Palazzo Vecchio, you will see the great fountain of the sea-god, Neptune, known locally as "il biancone" because of the white color of the large statue of the god himself. It was designed in 1563 by Ammannati who was perhaps more successful in creating the smaller, elegant but frisky bronze figures.
Close to the fountain and marked by a granite disc is the spot where the famous preacher Frà Girolamo Savonarola was hanged and burned at the stake in 1498, along with some of his faithful followers.