| What is it? |
The Palazzo Vecchio is the seat of local government for the city of Florence! |
| What makes it historical? |
This medieval fortress arose in 1299 AD, built over both an ancient Roman theater and the Uberti towers of the Ghibellines! The city council, composed of the heads of Florentine guilds, or priori, would meet here to discuss issues affecting the city! Inside the walls is a remarkable hall called the Salone dei Cinquecento or Hall of the 500, which features a mural on one side painted by Leonardo da Vinci, and one on the other painted by Michelangelo!
The Palazzo expanded many times over the centuries, most prominently in the 1540s under the Medici family, who made this their private residence! They added tons of apartments, chambers, and courtyards, including a bunch of secret passages! |
| How can I Help the Helpers? |
HERE’S HOW:
- Pay the entrance fee to help maintain trails, signs, structures, and other visitor services!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
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| Where is this place? |
Piazza della Signoria
50122 Firenze, FI
Italy
From Firenze: ~0mi (0km) — 0hrs
From Napoli: ~293mi (472km) — 4.9hrs
From Roma: ~169mi (272km) — 2.9hrs
From Venezia: ~159mi (256km) — 2.7hrs |
| When should I go? |
The Palazzo Vecchio Museum opens daily at 9:00 AM! Between April and September, it closes at 11:00 PM, and between October and March, it closes at 7:00 PM. It closes early on Thursdays at 2:00 PM! |
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