HelloMondo / Italy / Florence / Palazzo vecchio
Visit Palazzo Vecchio, institutional headquarters and museum.
We suggest to plan a 4 days trip to Florence to enjoy Palazzo vecchio
Palazzo Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria in the city centre of Florence
Palazzo Vecchio is located in Piazza della Signoria in Florence and is the seat of the Municipality. It is one of the most famous civic buildings in the world. The palace was founded between 1299 and 1314 and was used as a residence and place of work for the ruling body of the Republic of Florence. Throughout the centuries the palace had several uses and its name changed according to its usage. From 1865 to 1871 it was the seat of the Parliament of the Kingdom of Italy, while today it houses the Mayor of Florence and various municipal offices. Today most of the building is a museum.
We recommend that you consider a minimum of two hours for the visit. If you also want to linger in the other areas of the Palace as well, the ideal would be to dedicate three hours to this visit.
The best time to visit Palazzo Vecchio is during early mornings and late evenings to experience smaller crowds.
Compare best tickets and activities offered by:
One of the most famous symbols of Florence
As low as
€24.50
on Tiqets.com
Explore Palazzo Vecchio, the symbol of civic power in Florence for centuries. Learn about the rich history and art of the residence of the Medici family with the video guide.
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€22
on GetYourGuide.com
One of the most famous symbols of Florence
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€35.64
on Tiqets.com
Explore some of Palazzo Vecchio's hidden locations with an expert guide
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€32.00
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Discover the hidden paths of the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence. Explore areas of the building that are not accessible to the general public before enjoying a gelato tasting or a typical Tuscan Lunch (depending on the selected option).
As low as
€35
on GetYourGuide.com
Find out all the secrets of the Palazzo Vecchio and marvel at its collection of Renaissance art with an expert guide. Skip the ticket line and explore the former home of the renowned Medici family.
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€47
on GetYourGuide.com
Nowadays it is a museum as well as the seat of the mayor and various municipal offices.
Originally called Palazzo dei Priori, it was later identified in the 15th century as Palazzo della Signoria, from the name of the main body of the Republic of Florence; in 1540 it became the “Palazzo Ducale”, when Duke Cosimo I de ‘Medici made it his residence; finally the name” Vecchio” when, in 1565, the Grand Duke Cosimo I elected the Pitti palace as his palace (although the court was officially transferred there in 1588 by the Grand Duke Ferdinando). Palazzo Vecchio means “Old Palace”.
The structure is divided into three floors, a gallery and the tower. The ground floor is very closed, has a few and small single lancet windows and the entrance is not symbolized by an imposing portal, but by a simple wooden coffered door.
The palace is attributed to Arnolfo di Cambio, architect of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Basilica of Santa Croce, who began to build it in 1299.
Useful information for your visit to Palazzo Vecchio.
Palazzo Vecchio is the most impressive building in Piazza della Signoria.
To visit Palazzo Vecchio the times are as follows:
To reach Palazzo Vecchio:
Buses: lines C1, C2 and D
