Palazzo Vecchio, A timeless emblem of Florentine power

Piazza della Signoria, next to the city hall square

A private residence of a family built in the 13th century

Introduction

The Palazzo Vecchio, also known as the Palazzo della Signoria, is the city hall of Florence and is still in use today. The palace houses a museum, but the council chamber is not open to visitors. It was once the residence of the Medici family and is located in the Piazza della Signoria, with a majestic statue of the father of the country, Cosimo I de' Medici, on horseback in front of the entrance. The second-floor hall was the meeting place of the republican government, with Michelangelo's masterpiece "Victory" on the walls. The palace was built in 1322, and the adjacent clock tower has a large bell used to call the public and sound alarms. The interior of the palace has been renovated many times, but the exterior retains its medieval style. The interior decorations were redone by Vasari, including the exaggerated murals depicting the achievements of the people of Florence (1563-1565), which blend seamlessly with the building. Michelangelo's statue of the goddess Victory (1525) also decorates the Hall of the Five Hundred (Salone dei Cinquecento), giving it a more elegant atmosphere. From 1569 to 1573, top Florentine performance artists added their touch to make it more valuable for study. The Palazzo Vecchio has served as Florence's town hall for many years, while the museum is a pilgrimage site for visitors.

Address

Piazza della Signoria, next to the city hall square

Opening hours

Museum area: April 1st to September 30th, 9:00-23:00 from Friday to Wednesday
9:00-14:00 on Thursday. October 1st to March 31st, 9:00-19:00 from Friday to Wednesday
9:00-14:00 on Thursday. Bell Tower: April 1st to September 30th, 9:00-21:00 from Friday to Wednesday
9:00-14:00 on Thursday. October 1st to March 31st, 10:00-17:00 from Friday to Wednesday
10:00-14:00 on Thursday. Closed on December 25th.

Phone +39-055-2768325

Website http://museicivicifiorentini.comune.fi.it/en/palazzovecchio