Did you know that Palazzo Vecchio is located in Piazza della Signoria which together with Piazza del Duomo are the most important squares in Florence? Church and State!

At the entrance to the Palazzo Vecchio, visitors are greeted by the sculptures of Adam and Eve, the copy of Michelangelo’s David, and Hercules and Cacus. Inside, the Salone del Cinquecento is more than impressive, 170ft long and 75ft wide, decorated with enormous frescoes depicting epic battle scenes. Look up and you will witness the 39 panels constructed and painted by Vasari evidencing the life and achievements of Cosimo I. Historically, Palazzo Vecchio was the seat of the city’s government and justice system. The artworks all represent the strength and power of the Signoria.

As brought to light by Dan Brown’s Inferno, there are many secret passages and many mysteries that are housed in the Palazzo.  It was Cosimo I who commissioned, for his own safety, a secret corridor to be built allowing him to move between his place of work and palace of residence without every coming down to the street, without being in the public eye. Unfortunately the Vasari corridor which passes through the Uffizi and over the Ponte Vecchio is currently closed.

One of the highlights of a visit to the Palazzo Vecchio is the phenomenal view from the top of the tower. It is only a couple of euro more to add access to the tower to your standard museum ticket.

Opening Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 9:00am – 7:00pm
Thursday: 9:00am to 2:00pm
Note the tower closes at 5:00pm

Price: €10

Important Information

To buy your tickets in advanced, click here to book online or call+39 055 238 8609 to reserve your tickets. Usually it is not necessary to book in advance. The Palazzo Vecchio is right in the center but the lines are never long like the Uffizi or Accademia Galleries.

There are small discounts for young people 18-25 years old and for university students so make sure you take an ID with you. Passport is probably best but a drivers license would probably suffice.

Come find us!

Piazza della Signoria, Florence, 50122
Tel: (+39) 055 276 8465
Website: www.museicivicifiorentini.comune.fi.it/palazzovecchio/