English
The Palace of the Signoria, better known as Palazzo Vecchio (Old), has been for over 700 years, the symbol of civil authority of the city of Florence. Built in 1322, it was conceived as a fortress to keep the members of the City Council safe of the frequent revolts of the period. That is why the top of its tower, which houses the bell, was used to convoke and warn the Florentines of any danger.
During the sixteenth century, Cosimo I chose it as ducal palace and it was home to the Medici. Much of its present appearance is due to major restructuring and redecoration of the interiors, which were made at the request of the king.
Today, Palazzo Vecchio is Florence’s City hall and a museum with an attractive art collection. Museum staff organizes guided visits to traditional and secret passages.
Palazzo Vecchio has hidden places; that is why, there is an alternative itinerary for small groups (maximum 12 people) showing its hiding areas. This hour-and-a-half tour begins in the Hall of the Cinquecento, where the expert guide tells the story of the Florentine Republic and the reign of the Medici. From there, we go through a secret door leading to the private rooms of Cosimo I and his son Francesco I. Francesco´s study, known as the study of wonders, as it served to keep from prying eyes, the most valuable pieces in his collection. Giorgio Vasari was commissioned to devise it as an iconographic program and as an inventory of items collected. Thus, the paintings speak of the things in the studio and the place. More than thirty artists worked on this original decoration. Continuing with the tour, we head to the Hall of Maps, with more than 50 panels painted with known areas of the world in the sixteenth century, an excellent vision. The tour ends following the Duke´s secret staircase to admire in detail the ceiling of the Salone del Cinquecento, a great work of engineering, and stunning gold paneling.
This tour must be booked in advance and should be done as a complement to the traditional. The Palazzo Vecchio is also a good visit with your family, since it has the Children´s Museum, with free events.
Address: Piazza della Signoria 1, 50122
Hours: 9 to 19 pm from Monday to Sunday. From 9 to 14 pm, Thursdays and holidays. Some days it is open until midnight.
Prices: Adults 6 €, there is a reduced entrance for children, seniors and families.
On their website http://www.palazzovecchio-familymuseum.it/?page_id=114 you will have access to all the pricing information, special schedules and contact information for reservations.
For your visit to the Palazzo Vecchio, book now one of our apartments in Florence and don’t forget to include in your itinerary the Arnolfo’s Gateway, created to defend the palace, and the remains of the Roman Theatre lies beneath the building.
