Palazzo Vecchio Florence Places to Visit in Firenze

With its 313-ft.-high bell tower and militant crenellations, the Palazzo Vecchio is by far the most conspicuous resident of the Piazza della Signoria. Constructed largely between 1299 and 1302 by Arnolfo di Cambio (and finalised by a number of others in 1314) it is one of Tuscany's most outstanding city halls. The tower itself is even older, and was incorporated into the facade, hence its off-centre position in relation to the main structure.



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A copy of David at the entrance to the Palazzio Vecchio

Since its inception, the Palace has served as the seat of government for numerous leaders, including Duke of Athens, Walter VI of Brienne; and the ducal Medici family. It received its fortress-like appearance during the former's reign. The first major renovation in a series of remodellings occurring between the 13th and 16th centuries. The next addition was Michelozzo's 1453 courtyard, which was later frescoed with scenes of Austrian cities by Giorgio Vasari to commemorate the 1565 marriage of Francesco de' Medici's to Johanna of Austria.

The central fountain is a copy of Verrocchio's 15th-century original, which can now be seen on the second floor of the building. The Medici's renovations didn't stop there. Between 1540 and 1550, Cosimo I had Vasari more than double the size of the palace via the addition of a huge block onto the building's rear. This included enlarging the already magnificent Sala dei Cinquecento (Hall of the Five Hundred), which was designed under the rule of the Renaissance-resisting, book-burning priest Savonarola. He was later imprisoned in the Palace's tower.


As you appraoch beware the hoards of other travellers also dieing to get that photo of a lifetime of the old Palazzio.

Just like the courtyard, Vasari is responsible for the giant frescoes that dominate the walls. Here they depict Florentine military victories over neighbouring cities. The painted ceiling panels laud the life of his employer, Cosimo I. Michelangelo's famous statue, Victory, can be found in the central niche at the south end of the Hall. It was originally intended for the tomb of Julius II, but was later donated to the Medici. Off to the north-west corner is the Studio of Francesco I where Cosimo's reclusive son practised his alchemy and science experiments. The room benefited from lavish decoration by both Vasari and Bronzio, and its baroque paintings hide secret cupboards.


The outside of the building is nice and spending some time on a tour before or after the Uffizzi is a good way to spend a few moments

The rooms on the second floor begin with the Quartiere degli Elementi, whose allegorical frescoes represent the elements of earth, wind, fire and depictions of Saturn on the ceiling. Continuing the theme is the Terazza di Saturno, which offers a splendid view of the surroundings hills over the Uffizi. The Apartment of Eleonora di Toledo was furnished specially for Cosimo's Spanish wife and is hung with paintings by the Flemish artist Jan Stradan. Adjoining the chamber is Eleonora's private chapel. This is frescoed by Bronzio and considered one of his masterpieces. Further on, the Sala dei Gigli (Hall of Lilies) earns its name thanks to the sumptuous azure panelling on its ceiling, and is well worth visiting for the original bronze sculpture of Judith and Holofernes by Donatello.

During the summer evenings the roof's balustrade is also accessible, affording some wonderful panoramas of the city and the Piazza della Signoria. All in all this wonderful building is worth a tour if you do have the time. 2 or 3 hours will here will give you some lasting memories and if you have longer, all the better.