Museo: Palazzo Vecchio

Welcome to Palazzo Vecchio!

Hello everyone, welcome to Palazzo Vecchio! This is one of the most important and well-known buildings in Florence. With its 94-meter-high tower, known as the Torre di Arnolfo, it stands out even from a distance! It was built between 1298 and 1314 by the architect Arnolfo di Cambio to house the city’s government, known as the Signoria. Over time, this palace has changed names several times: from "Palazzo della Signoria" to "Palazzo del Popolo," then "Palazzo Ducale," until it became "Palazzo Vecchio" when the Medici family moved to another residence, the Palazzo Pitti. Today, visiting Palazzo Vecchio is like taking a journey through the history of Florence. In the underground areas, you can see remnants of the ancient Roman theater, while as you ascend, you encounter rooms decorated by great Renaissance artists. From the tower and the battlements, you can enjoy a splendid view of the city! The palace is both a museum, with many historical rooms to explore, and the seat of the Municipality of Florence. Even today, it is a place where past and present meet, illustrating how rich and fascinating the city's history is.

Piazza della Signoria and the Façade of Palazzo Vecchio

Let's pause for a moment in this incredible square! Piazza della Signoria is the historical center of political life in Florence, dating back to the Middle Ages. Overlooking the square is Palazzo Vecchio, a grand and imposing building constructed between 1299 and 1314 by the same architect who worked on the Duomo: Arnolfo di Cambio. The palace is made of large stone blocks and features a very tall tower. Some construction details, like the crenellations at the top, were designed for defense. Originally called "Palazzo dei Priori," it was renamed "Palazzo Vecchio" in the sixteenth century after the Medici moved elsewhere. In front of the palace, there are famous statues. There's a replica of Michelangelo's David, symbolizing freedom, next to Hercules and Cacus and the Fountain of Neptune. In the middle of the square stands the statue of Cosimo I on horseback. All these works speak of Florence's strength and power in the past. Under the Loggia dei Lanzi, an open-arched portico, there are other important sculptures, such as Cellini's Perseus and The Rape of the Sabines. The square is like a great open-air museum, where you can closely observe the traces of Florence's history and art.

The Courtyard of Michelozzo

As soon as you enter Palazzo Vecchio, you arrive at a very elegant courtyard: the Courtyard of Michelozzo. It was built in 1453 at the behest of Cosimo de’ Medici. Its columns, vaulted ceilings, and frescoes immediately convey the impression of an important place. In 1565, on the occasion of the marriage between Francesco I de’ Medici and Joanna of Austria, the painter Giorgio Vasari decorated the walls with images of the cities of the Empire. These frescoes were meant to demonstrate the connections between Florence and other great kingdoms of the time. At the center of the courtyard, there is a fountain featuring a statue called “Putto with Dolphin,” a replica of a work by Verrocchio. Water in such a noble courtyard was a sign of prestige and modernity. This courtyard was not only beautiful: it was where important guests were welcomed and official ceremonies took place. Every detail—from the frescoes to the fountain—served to showcase the power and sophistication of the Medici family.

The Hall of the Five Hundred

The Hall of the Five Hundred is the largest and most spectacular room in all of Palazzo Vecchio. It was built in 1494 to host the Great Council, a group of five hundred citizens representing the Republic of Florence. Its dimensions are truly impressive: it is 54 meters long, 23 meters wide, and a striking 18 meters high! However, the appearance we see today is the result of a significant transformation commissioned by Cosimo I de' Medici when, in 1540, he decided to reside in this very palace. Cosimo wanted to showcase the power of his family and thus asked the artist Giorgio Vasari to transform the hall into a grand space that would symbolize the strength and glory of the Medici. On the ceiling, there are 39 painted panels depicting the achievements of Cosimo I and the virtues of good governance. The walls are adorned with enormous paintings illustrating the Medici's military victories, such as the Battle of Marciano. Surrounding the hall are also statues of Roman emperors, symbols of power and order, along with a large sculpture of Hercules and Cacus, representing strength triumphing over chaos. But there is also a mystery! It is believed that hidden beneath one of the paintings lies an unfinished work by Leonardo da Vinci: the Battle of Anghiari, long considered lost. This adds an extra layer of intrigue to the hall!

The Studiolo of Francesco I

The Studiolo of Francesco I is a truly special little room within Palazzo Vecchio. It was built for Grand Duke Francesco I de' Medici, son of Cosimo, who loved science, alchemy, and mysterious things. Here he would retreat alone, away from everyone, to study and reflect. The studiolo is a windowless room, filled with cabinets and decorations. Each cabinet door is painted, and the paintings tell the story of the connection between nature and art. At the center of the ceiling, there is a painting showing Prometheus receiving the gifts of nature: an image that represents the idea that knowledge arises from observing the world. The walls of the studiolo are divided into four parts, each associated with one of the four elements of nature: earth, water, air, and fire. It was also a sort of "cabinet of curiosities," where Francesco kept strange and precious objects from all over the world. Although he conducted his actual experiments elsewhere, this was his secret space where he could indulge in his passions. On the ceiling and walls, there are many artworks, and in one of the paintings, Francesco I is depicted as an alchemist in his laboratory. This small space reveals much about Francesco’s curious and private nature, which was very different from his father Cosimo’s. The studiolo is one of the most fascinating places in all of Palazzo Vecchio.

The District of Leo X

The Quarter of Leo X is a suite of rooms within Palazzo Vecchio, dedicated to a significant figure from the Medici family: Giovanni de’ Medici, son of Lorenzo the Magnificent, who became Pope under the name Leo X in 1513. These rooms are richly adorned with frescoes narrating the Medici family's history: from the life of Cosimo the Elder, who initiated the family's fortune, to the achievements of Lorenzo the Magnificent and Giovanni's election as Pope. Each scene is designed to highlight the importance of the Medici to Florence and the Church. The ceilings feature gilded coffered panels and paintings with symbols, myths, and exploits linked to the Medici. Every detail is intended to remind visitors of the dynasty's power and prestige, as if each room is proclaiming: "This is the story of those who led Florence." After the Medici returned to power as dukes, they transformed Palazzo Vecchio from a government palace to a symbol of their family. The Quarter of Leo X is a true visual narrative celebrating their role in the city's history.

The Hall of Lilies

Welcome to one of the most beautiful and ornate rooms in all of Palazzo Vecchio: the Sala dei Gigli! Do you know why it's called that? Because the walls are filled with lilies... but not the lilies of Florence! These golden flowers are those of the King of France, used to pay tribute to an important family that helped Florence a long time ago: the Angevin dynasty. As you step in, look up: the ceiling is coffered, meaning it's made of decorated wooden panels. It's beautiful, isn't it? And on the walls, there are frescoes by the painter Domenico Ghirlandaio, one of the most famous artists of the Renaissance. But the real treasure of the room is the statue of Judith and Holofernes, created by Donatello. It's made of bronze and tells a very ancient story: Judith, a courageous woman, saves her people by defeating the terrible general Holofernes. A strong and powerful scene that, at that time, served to convey: "In Florence, we don't let anyone push us around!" This room, filled with symbols and art, tells us that in Florence, during the Renaissance, beauty and politics went hand in hand: everything served to say something, even a flower or a statue.

The Audience Hall

This is the Hall of Audience, an important place where official meetings and gatherings with the most prominent citizens of Florence took place. It was like a "council room," where serious decisions were made and discussions about the future of the city were held. Look at the walls! They are covered with frescoes painted by Francesco Salviati. These frescoes depict stories from ancient Rome, specifically chosen to highlight the importance of justice, courage, and the welfare of the community. They served as lessons for those who governed! The ceiling is entirely gilded and decorated—it's truly a spectacle! Imagine that there used to be precious tapestries hanging on the walls as well, changing with the seasons or events. Even the furniture was intricately carved and elegantly arranged. This hall is a perfect example of how art was used to convey strength and beauty. It wasn't just a beautiful space, but also a place where art helped to communicate the respect and authority of those who led the city.

The Hall of Geographical Maps

Ready to travel around the world… without leaving Florence? Welcome to the Hall of Geographical Maps! This room is located on the third floor of Palazzo Vecchio and was created based on the idea of Cosimo I de’ Medici, a grand duke renowned for his curiosity and love for discoveries. This hall was used to organize the Medici family’s belongings and to explore the world! There were large cabinets on the walls: on the doors were painted geographical maps of all the countries known in the 16th century, and beneath them, images of animals and plants typical of those regions. Above, there were busts of kings and portraits of famous men. A true museum! The ceiling was adorned with constellations, which are the patterns formed by stars. And at the center of the room, believe it or not, were two grand globes: one celestial (featuring the stars) and one terrestrial (featuring the continents), which could be raised and lowered with a special mechanism. The maps were painted by two scholars, Egnazio Danti and Stefano Bonsignori. Danti was also the creator of an enormous world map that can still be seen in the hall today. This room is a marvelous example of how, during the Renaissance, science, art, and power were united. The Medici wanted to show that they knew the world… and that they were capable of mastering it!

The Apartments of Eleonora di Toledo

On the second floor of Palazzo Vecchio are some truly special rooms: the Apartments of Eleonora of Toledo, the wife of Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici. Eleonora was not merely a princess; she was an intelligent and significant woman who aided her husband in governance and had a profound love for art. Following their marriage, Cosimo and Eleonora decided to reside in Palazzo Vecchio. Cosimo took the rooms on the first floor, while the second floor was entirely reserved for Eleonora and her many children. Her rooms were adorned by great artists, such as Vasari and del Tasso, with beautiful frescoes filled with religious symbols and mythological figures. Among them all, the most renowned room is Eleonora's Chapel. Here, a painter named Bronzino, a close friend of the duchess, painted the entire chapel with scenes from the Bible: there’s Moses bringing forth water from a rock, the crossing of the Red Sea, and many other stories. The ceiling of the chapel is filled with saints, and at the center is a beautiful depiction of the Trinity. On the altar is a very moving painting: it shows Jesus being taken down from the cross, with the Madonna, Saint John, and a sorrowful Mary Magdalene beside him. This artwork was so exquisite that Cosimo had a copy made to present to the emperor. Throughout Eleonora’s rooms, one can see strong and courageous women like Penelope or Cleopatra, who embody values such as loyalty and bravery. Every detail—from the gilded ceilings to the elegant furniture—illustrates how special Eleonora was: a woman capable of being kind yet very determined, influencing the entire life of the court. Though they were private rooms, Eleonora’s Apartments also served to demonstrate to all how important and powerful her family was.

The Arnolfo Tower: At the Top of Florence

Have you ever seen a very tall tower rising above the rooftops of Florence? It's the Torre di Arnolfo, part of Palazzo Vecchio! Standing at 95 meters high, this tower offers a spectacular view over the entire city, and can be seen from afar, serving as a true symbol of Florence. The tower was built a long time ago, between 1299 and 1300, and is named in honor of the architect Arnolfo di Cambio, who designed the palace. The lower part of the tower is very ancient and rests on an old medieval tower that belonged to the Foraboschi family. The upper part, however, juts forward, as if trying to get a better look at the city. To reach the top, you have to take on quite a challenge: 223 stone steps! But don't worry: during the climb, there are small windows and little lookouts where you can take a break and enjoy the view. Halfway up, there is also a small cell called the Alberghetto, where famous figures like Cosimo the Elder and Savonarola were imprisoned. Once you reach the top, you can walk along the patrol walkway, between the battlements, and observe the whole of Florence from above: the red rooftops, the Arno River, the green hills... a sight not to be missed! The Torre di Arnolfo is not only beautiful to see; it is also a piece of history. For centuries, it represented the strength of the city's government, first during the Republic and later under the Medici. Today, with its unmistakable form, it continues to tell tales of power, courage, and freedom.