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 joining your guide at the meeting point in Piazza della Signoria, which will be sent to you by e-mail when you book, you’ll visit the palace to discover all the secrets, legends and masterpieces it contains.

You’ll see amazing places that most visitors don’t get to see. If you’re curious to find out more about the lives of the Medici, their guests and the court intrigues that always go hand in hand with power, then all you have to do is take our tour.

It’s an experience you won’t soon forget: 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 works of art that tell the story of Florence and its wars against Pisa and Siena.
If you look closely, you’ll see that two major artists were working 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 the Palazzo della Signoria, like any mansion worth its salt, had accommodation for its guests. You’ll enter the Apartment of the Earth Gods, where you’ll meet several key figures from the Medici family.

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

The Ducal Apartments

Here you can imagine what life was like in the Medici era, as you’re in the family’s private rooms. You’ll visit the apartments of Eleonora, wife of Cosimo.

You’ll be enchanted 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: you will in fact admire Donatello’s masterpiece Judith and Holofernes. Hear 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 (Wardrobe). You’ll be surprised when your guide tells you the reason for the name.

Disclaimer: Palazzo Vecchio is an active political site. Due to unforeseen institutional events, access to the Salone dei Cinquecento is NOT guaranteed. It is therefore possible that, during your visit, you might only be able to see the Salone from the second floor.