Palazzo Vecchio

The basics

The “Old Palace” was built in the early 1300s and sumptuously redecorated by the ruling Medici family in the 16th century, when Grand Duke Cosimo I transferred his official seat there from the Medici Riccardi Palace (Palazzo Medici Riccardi). The courtyards, official halls, and private apartments feature elaborately decorated ceilings and statues by luminaries including Donatello and Michelangelo, giving a sense of the wealth of Florence’s most powerful family during the height of the Renaissance. The most important rooms are the vast Salone dei Cinquecento hall, decorated by the celebrated Renaissance painter Giorgio Vasari and used as the seat of the 500-member Grand Council; the secret Studiolo di Francesco I, also decorated by Vasari; and the Map Room.

Palazzo Vecchio tours are worthwhile for learning about the building’s wealth of art and history. This is especially true during the crowded months of May–October, when the wait to enter can be long and skip-the-line tickets are a must. Visitors can also tour the archaeological excavations under the building’s foundations to see the uncovered remains of the Roman theater of Florentia.

Things to know before you go

• The palazzo’s soaring Arnolfo Tower, designed by architect Arnolfo di Cambio, offers stupendous views of Florence and the surrounding hills of Tuscany; children under 6 are not allowed to climb the tower.

• Most of Palazzo Vecchio is dedicated to the museum showcasing Renaissance art and architecture, but the building is also still the seat of local government and home to the mayor’s office and city council.

• While backpacks and bags are not allowed inside the Palazzo Vecchio museum, lockers are available for a fee.

• Most of the palazzo is accessible to wheelchairs, with the exception of the tower and mezzanine level.

How to get there

Palazzo Vecchio is in the southern corner of Piazza della Signoria, a short stroll from the Uffizi Gallery. By bus, take the C1 to Galleria Degli Uffizi, then walk one block west or take the C2 to Porta Rossa and walk three blocks east.

When to get there

The museums are open daily but close on Thursday afternoons. The palazzo can be very crowded at midday, so consider joining a tour in the early morning before most visitors arrive or at sunset to avoid the busiest time and enjoy the view from the tower.

The Vasari Corridor

This secret passage that runs between Palazzo Vecchio and Pitti Palace (Palazzo Pitti) was commissioned by the Grand Duke Cosimo I in 1565 and designed by Giorgio Vasari. Once a secret route used by the Medici family to travel through the city, the corridor is now an art gallery and can be visited in small groups as part of a private tour.

Ways to explore

Guided tours of Palazzo Vecchio are worthwhile for learning about the building’s wealth of art and history, from the Vasari-frescoed Salone dei Cinquecento hall to the lesser-known Roman ruins beneath the palace. This is especially true during the crowded months of May–October, when the wait to enter can be long and skip-the-line tickets are a must.

To see Palazzo Vecchio in combination with other attractions, book a sightseeing tour. City walking tours focus on major attractions such as the Florence Duomo and Ponte Vecchio, while Medici-themed tours may pair Palazzo Vecchio with the art-filled Medici Chapels and Pitti Palace.

Accessibility

The Arnolfo Tower is only reachable by stairs, but most other parts of Palazzo Vecchio are wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

Children under 6 are not permitted to climb to the top of the Arnolfo Tower.

What to pack

Only bring essentials you can carry on your person, as you’ll need to leave any large bags in the cloakroom.

What to wear

Wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring the multi-level museum, especially if you want to climb the more than 400 steps to the Arnolfo Tower.

Not allowed

Backpacks and bulky bags, tripods, outside food and drink

Amenities

Audio guides, cloakroom, restrooms, gift shop

Address

You can’t miss Palazzo Vecchio while exploring central Florence—it’s the focal point of Piazza della Signoria and is just a few steps away from the Uffizi Galleries. You can travel by car or bus, or walk from other major attractions.

Driving

Tourists aren’t generally permitted to drive in Florence’s historic center, so it’s best to take a taxi to Palazzo Vecchio—reachable within 15 minutes from most attractions.

Public transportation

The Galleria degli Uffizi bus stop is just around the corner from Palazzo Vecchio. Take the C1 line, which runs through central Florence, past the Duomo.

Best times to visit

The museum is busiest at midday, so head there right at opening or shortly before closing for fewer crowds.

Best days to visit

There’s no bad day to visit Palazzo Vecchio; just note that Thursday hours are limited, as the site closes in the early afternoon.

Best months to visit

Palazzo Vecchio is a year-round attraction, but you’ll find it—and Florence’s other top museums—least crowded in the shoulder season of November–March.

Special events

Many of Florence’s annual parades, complete with processioners in traditional costumes, pass by Palazzo Vecchio. The most-anticipated parade is for the Florentine patron saint San Giovanni on June 24.