Discovering Palazzo Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria

Published on July 4, 2024 at 4:00 pm

This is often the very first stop on a visit to Florence: the Piazza della Signoria is right in the heart of the historic centre (Centro Storico), and in many ways represents the power of Florence during the Renaissance.

On the square stands the Palazzo Vecchio: with its fortress-like appearance, it's hard to guess the splendour that lurks in the rooms of this magnificent palace, remodelled under Cosimo I de' Medici himself... Even today, the Palazzo Vecchio is home to Florence's municipal government.

A political centre, then, but art is never far away in Florence. Statues and sculptures will accompany your discovery of the Piazza della Signoria, from Michelangelo's copy of the famous David to the imposing Fountain of Neptune, or the Loggia dei Lanzi, a veritable open-air museum...

Fortunately, there are a few chic café terraces where you can take a moment to admire it all!

Palazzo Vecchio

Summary

Palazzo Vecchio, the centre of Florentine power
Piazza della Signoria, a rendezvous with art
Where to sleep?
Practical information

Palazzo Vecchio, the centre of Florentine power

After seeing the splendour of the beautiful sculpted facades of so many Florentine palaces, you may be taken aback by the austerity displayed by the Palazzo Vecchio... From the outside, it almost looks like a simple fortified castle with its imposing facade and crenellated tower!

Le Palazzo Vecchio depuis la Piazza della Signoria à Florence.

Its architect, the Italian Gothic master Arnolfo di Cambio, probably didn't think so. The building was completed in 1299, to house the Signoria (the Seigniory in French), the council of 9 leaders of the city's major corporations, who then ruled over the emerging Republic of Florence. The palace was then known as the Palazzo della Signoria.

The Torre d'Arnolfo rises above the rooftops of Florence

The impressive Torre d'Arnolfo stands out from the rest, rising to a height of 95 metres: its silhouette is one of the great symbols of Florence. But the highlight of the show is inside the palace, built by Varasi in 1540 for Cosimo I de' Medici. Open to visitors, you will discover a succession of sumptuous rooms that will take you back to the splendour of Renaissance Florence...

Piazza della Signoria, a rendezvous with art

Take the time to take the pulse of the Piazza della Signoria: certainly the most touristy of Florence's squares, break away from the stream of tourists and don't hesitate to sit on a terrace in one of the famous cafés surrounding the Palazzo Vecchio. Enjoy the scenery!

Neptune's Fountain

Monumental and dazzlingly white, the Fountain of Neptune is impressive if not subtle. Still on the subject of antiquity, the entrance to Palazzo Vecchio is guarded by a replica of Michelangelo's David (the original is in the Accademia Gallery) and the statue of Hercules and Cacus.

Michelangelo's copy of David

The Loggia dei Lanzi, which opens onto the square, is a sort of open-air gallery, foreshadowing the neighbouring Uffizi Gallery. Between Perseus Holding Medusa's Head and The Rape of the Sabine Women, it's a great way to whet your appetite!

The Abduction of the Sabine women

Palazzo Vecchio: why the Old Palace?

💡 Also in the Piazza della Signoria, the equestrian statue of Cosimo I pays tribute to the founder of the Medici dynasty, Florence's most powerful ruling family. Shortly after moving into the Palazzo della Signoria, he decided to move to the Palazzo Pitti, on the other side of the Arno. In fact, the first palace became the Palazzo Vecchio, or Old Palace!

The Varasi Corridor, a suspended corridor reserved exclusively for the use of the Medici, provided a link between the two palaces via the Ponte Vecchio, avoiding the dangers of the street.

Where to sleep?

Booking.com

Relais Piazza Signoria

Hotel centrally located for access to the city's main monuments.

9.1 Fabulous

From

£134 / night

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Practical information

⏰ Opening times of the Palazzo Vecchio Museum:

From 1 April to 30 September: Friday to Wednesday from 09:00 to 23:00, Thursday from 09:00 to 14:00.
From 1 October to 31 March: Fridays to Wednesdays from 09:00 to 19:00, Thursdays from 09:00 to 14:00.

👛 Admission prices for the Palazzo Vecchio museum:

Adults: €12.50
Young people aged between 18 and 25: €10
Under 18s: free admission

👉 How do I book my ticket?

Directly on site, or book by email info@musefirenze.it or by phone +3955 2768224.
Palazzo Vecchio is also one of the museums included in the Firenze Card.

La salle des Cinquecento, une des plus belles du palais

💡 Is it possible to climb to the top of the Torre d'Arnolfo?

Yes! The top of the tower can be visited in addition to the Palazzo Vecchio museum. Access to the top is via a fairly steep 418-step staircase; the breathtaking view over Florence will be the reward for your efforts.

👛 Entrance fees for the Torre d'Arnolfo:

Adults: €12.50
Young people aged between 18 and 25: €10
Under 18s: free admission

by Editorial Team

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