On the side where Palazzo Vecchio faces via della Ninna, a small wooden door set into the massive square stones of the palazzo leads over a once secret stairway two floors up and back in time to when the Duke of Athens, Gualtieri di Brienne, ruled over Florence in 1343. At that time, the city was weakened by a heavy economic crisis and troubled by ongoing quarrels between Guelfes and Ghibellines. The city called the duke, a Frenchman, to Florence, trusting that a foreigner, from his impartial vantage point, could bring relief to the many disputes. It was Gualtieri di Brienne who gave Palazzo Vecchio, about 40 years after it had been built to host the cities’ governing class, the impression of a medieval fortress by expanding existing walls to frame the entire residence and adding interlocking gates and heavy iron window grills. He also foresaw the construction of a private stairway that led from his chambers on the second floor of the Palazzo directly into the street. The duke governed despotically, ignoring the interests of the rich merchant class that had bestowed power upon him, and soon the Florentines were furious with his ruling and wanted him gone. After 10 months, he was sent packing and is said to have escaped Florence with his life thanks to the secret route and small door in via della Ninna.
