The Loggia dei Lanzi; also called the Loggia della Signoria; was built between 1376 and 1382 by Benci di Cione and Simone di Francesco Talenti; possibly following a design by Jacopo di Sione; to house the assemblies of the people and hold public ceremonies; such as the swearing into office of the Gonfaloniers and the Priors.

The name Loggia dei Lanzi dates back to the reign of Grand Duke Cosimo I; when it was used to house his German mercenary pikemen. After the construction of the Uffizi at the rear of the Loggia; the Loggia's roof was modified by Bernardo Buontalenti and became a terrace from which the Medici princes could watch ceremonies in the piazza.