Guided tour of Palazzo Vecchio

Palazzo Vecchio was once the home of the Medici family, as well as the former and current city hall.

A place with many names – Palazzo dei Priori, Palazzo della Signoria, Palazzo di Piazza or Palazzo Ducale –, it has been the hub of power in Florence since the day the foundation stone was laid.

After meeting up with your tour guide at the meeting point in Piazza della Signoria you’ll be sent by email when you book, you’ll tour the palace to discover all the secrets, legends and masterpieces it contains.

You’ll see astonishing places not available to the majority of visitors. If you’re curious to know more about the lives of the Medici and their guests, and the court intrigues that always come with power, all you need to do is take our tour.

It’s an experience you won’t forget in a hurry: the writer Dan Brown fell in love with Palazzo Vecchio and mentioned it in his book Inferno.

What to expect from this experience:

Salone dei Cinquecento

This spectacular and monumental hall was built in the late 15th century. Originally called the Great Council Hall, today it contains a large part of Tuscan and Florentine history. With your guide, you’ll be able to admire wonderful artworks that trace the history of Florence, as well as the city’s wars against Pisa and Siena.
If you look closely, you’ll find that two distinguished artists worked on this room at the same time. Try to work out which parts are by Leonardo da Vinci and which by Michelangelo Buonarroti!

Apartments of the Gods

You’ll soon discover that like any self-respecting stately residence, Palazzo della Signoria also contained accommodation for guests. You’ll enter the Apartment of the “Earth Gods”, where you can make the acquaintance of several key figures of the Medici family.

And on the second floor you’ll find the Apartment of the “Heavenly Gods”, with some of the most beautiful rooms, including the Hall of the Elements and the Hall of Jupiter.

The Ducal Apartments

Here you’ll be able to imagine life in the Medici period, as you’ll be right inside the family’s private rooms. You’ll visit the apartments of Eleonora, wife of Cosimo.

You’ll be enraptured by the mastery of Bronzino, portraitist to the Medicis, as you admire his magnificent work in the Chapel of Eleonora.

Sala Dei Gigli

A wonderful discovery awaits you here, as you marvel at Donatello’s masterpiece Judith and Holofernes. Listen to the story behind this magnificent sculpture.

Hall of Geographical Maps

You’ll be fascinated by the minute detail and accuracy of the maps. You’ll also learn that the alternative name of this room is the Guardaroba. You’ll be amazed when your guide tells you why this is.

Disclaimer: Palazzo Vecchio is an active political site. Due to unforeseen institutional events, access to the Salone dei Cinquecento is NOT guaranteed. During your visit, you may only see the Salone from the second floor.