Palazzo Vecchio, as its name implies, is very old indeed, dating from the XIII century. Its architect was Arnolfo di Cambio, who also worked on the city walls and the Cathedral.
The tower of Palazzo Vecchio, dominating the city, was built on the foundation of one of the tower-houses so common in Mediaeval Florence. The Palace was built for the Signoria – the main part of republican government of Florence. Its function, as the centre of power, has remained constant over the centuries and it is still used by the mayor of Florence.
For a brief period it was the residence of the Medici Dukes and Grand Dukes, before Eleonora di Toledo (wife of Cosimo I) bought Plazzo Pitti (also known as Palazzo Nuovo – the New Palace). It was the Medici family who mainly decorated the Old Palace – inside we can find gorgeous frescoes with mythological stories and outstanding sculpture.
Only the best artists worked at Palazzo Vecchio during the centuries. During this guided tour we will admire the originals of Michelangelo’s and Donatello’s sculptures, frescoes by Vasari, Bronzino, Ghirlandaio, Salviati and other famous florentines.
We start the guided visit at Piazza della Signoria, getting familiar with the architecture of the Palace and of the Loggia dei Lanzi. The exterior of Palazzo Vecchio is almost as interesting as the inside, as many copies and originals of famous statues adorn it, such Michelangelo’s David, Donatello’s Judith and Holofernes, and the Fountain of Neptune by Bartolomeo Ammanati.
Then the tour continues to Michellozzo’s internal couryard and to the monumental Salone del Cinquecento (Hall of Five Hundred), where the meetings of the Main Council of the Florentine Republic took place. There are immense mural paintings celebrating Florentine victories, and a free-standing ceiling, designed by Vasari. It is believed that behind one of the murals there is a lost painitng by Leonardo.
During this guided tour we visit the Grand-Ducal apartments, where the Medici family lived, with its private rooms, chapels and public areas. We will see the studio of Niccolò Machiavelli (this celebrity also worked at Palazzo Vecchio). A small but interesting piece on display at Palazzo Vecchio is the death mask of Dante.
Palazzo Vecchio and its tower
Some useful tips:
- Tickets: it is not necessary to book the tickets in advance, though during the high season it’s reccomendable. I can book the tickets for Palazzo Vecchio for you and your group, if you require.
- Visitors are advised that the Palazzo Vecchio might be closed in case of special events (this could be, for example, the visit of the Prince of Wales). Please contact me, and I will check for you the exact schedule and if there are any special events programmed.
- Length of this guided tour: from 2 to 4 hours, price: from € 120 to 200 depending on your needs and the size of the group. Standard visit is considered to be 3 hours, rate is €165.00.
Or see other guided tours I offer:
