Visit the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence: tickets, prices, opening hours

Discovering Tuscany? Then be sure to visit the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence!

If you’re visiting the beautiful city of Florence, capital of Tuscany, don’t miss a visit to one of its symbols: the Palazzo Vecchio. Also known as the Old Palace, this monument is located in the city’s most emblematic square: the Piazza della Signoria.

Its imposing architecture, crowned with battlements and featuring a 94-metre-high tower, is well worth a visit. Once the heart of political life in medieval Florence, the Palazzo Vecchio now serves as the town hall. However, part of the building remains open to the public, as it houses an important collection of Renaissance works of art.

Works by Michelangelo, Vasari, Donatello and Bronzino can be seen here. What’s more, the Torre d’Arnolfo offers one of the finest views of Florence. It would be a shame to miss it!

The history of Florence’s Palazzo Vecchio

The palace was built in 1299 as Florence’s seat of government. Designed by Arnolfo di Cambio, it was originally called the Palazzo della Signoria, because it housed the seigniory. The monument changed its name frequently, however, in association with the renovations it underwent. Under Como I, it became the Palazzo Ducal, after the latter restructured it to make it his principal residence.

It was only when Como 1 and the Medici family moved to the Palazzo Pitti that the building was renamed the Palazzo Vecchio. It then became the seat of government offices and the place where valuables were kept.

Today, the Palazzo Vecchio houses Florence’s City Council, but above all it has become a museum where the public can come and admire magnificent rooms and works of art that bear witness to the city’s history.

What to see and do at the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence

The Palazzo Vecchio is one of Florence’s most famous landmarks. In fact, it stands alone as an important testimony to the past. Here you can discover many works of art and, above all, many beautiful rooms. One of the first you’ll come across when visiting the Palazzo Vecchio is the  » Salonedi Cinquecento » ( Hall of the Five Hundred). This 54-meter-long, 22-meter-wide salon is sure to impress. Here you can see battle scenes painted from floor to ceiling by Vasari and his disciples, in praise of Florence’s victories over its rivals Pisa and Siena.

Then stop off at the Chapelle Saint-Côme et Saint Damien. The Salon des Cinq Cents leads directly to this chapel, where a triptych is dedicated to the two saints: Saint Côme on the right and Saint Damien on the left.

And don’t miss a visit to the Studiolo of Francis 1st. Located on the second floor, this room is also well worth a visit. It was Como I who commissioned Vasari to decorate this sumptuous cabinet, which was destined for his son Francis I. The paintings in the lower section conceal 20 cupboards where the young man could hide his treasures.

Finally, you can’t miss La Torre d’Arnolfo. This 94-meter-high tower dominates the Palazoo Vecchio. Built in the early 14th century, it owes its name to its architect, Arnolfo di Cambio. It was completed in 1453 with the erection of a bell tower, a bronze sphere and the Marzocco (the lion symbol of the city).

From the terrace, the view of the Piazza della Signoria and the city is breathtaking. To earn it, you’ll have to climb 418 steps. Access is limited to 25 people, and each visitor has 30 minutes to enjoy the view.

How to visit the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence

In addition to the classic tour of the Palais, there are several other routes open to the public. One of the most popular is the « Secret Route« . As its name suggests, this tour takes visitors to unique places, such as thesecret staircase built into the southern wall of the Palace, and many other unsuspected areas.

A second tour, entitled « The Secrets of Inferno« , follows in the footsteps of Dan Brown ‘s bestseller Inferno. Part of the plot takes place in Florence, and in particular in the Palazzo Vecchio. You can find out more about the different routes on the Palazzo Vecchio Museum website.

Guided tours of the Palais are also available, and can be booked by e-mail or telephone. They last around 75 minutes and cost from €2.5 (for residents of the municipality) to €5 (for non-residents). This fee is added to the price of admission to the museum. It’s a great way to learn more about the history of this place.

How do I get to the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence?

If you want to visit the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, it’s located in the city’s most important square: the Piazza della Signoria. Between Piazza del Duomo and the River Arno, this is where some of Florence’s most famous monuments are concentrated.

To visit the Palazzo Vecchio, you need to travel to Florence. The city has excellent transport links, and there are several ways to get there:

• By plane :

Florence-Peretola airport is located 4 km northwest of Florence city center. Air France and Alitalia operate daily flights from €200 return. As prices vary widely, we recommend that you compare tickets on the website of our partner Ulysse. From Paris, you can reach the capital of Tuscany in around 2 hours. A bus service will take you to Florence in less than 30 minutes.

You may also arrive via Galileo Galilei airport, 90km from Florence. Allow around €10 to reach the city by bus in 1h20.

• By train :

You can also reach Florence by train. The main station is Florence Santa Maria Novella (SMN). For further information, visit the trenitalia website.

• By car :

Getting around Tuscany’s cities is a real challenge. Florence is no exception. If you’ve decided to rent a car when you arrive at the airport, be aware that the historic center, and therefore the Palazzo Vecchio district, is entirely pedestrianized (except for cabs and residents). So you’ll need to park outside the city center. Don’t hesitate to read our article  » Cheap parking in Florence: where to park in Florence « .

• By bus or streetcar :

We therefore advise you to use public transport to get to Florence and visit the Palazzo Vecchio. Many bus companies, such as Eurolines, offer routes to Italy’s major cities.

Florence is also served by a network of ATAF buses. Line 23 has several stops close to the Palazzo Vecchio, making it easy to get to the city’s main monuments. There’s also a minibus service that can easily navigate Florence’s narrow streets.

• On foot :

However, if you live in the center, the best way to visit the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence is on foot. You can reach the monument from Piazza del Duomo by walking down via dei Calzaiuoli. It’s also a great way to explore the city. So take the time to stroll along the narrow pedestrian streets and let Florence’s charm win you over.

Opening hours and prices of the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence ?

Photo credit: Flickr – aleph78

SCHEDULES

The Palazzo Vecchio Museum is open every day except December 25 and some public holidays.

Please note that timetables differ in summer and winter:

• From April to September, the Museum is open from 9am to 11pm, except Thursdays from 9am to 2pm.
• From October to March, it is open from 9am to 7pm, except Thursdays, when it is open from 9am to 2pm.

RATES

Prices include :

• 12.5€ Museum admission for an adult
• 10€ for people aged 18 to 25

To visit the Tower alone, you’ll also have to pay the same prices. However, a combined ticket is available for both: €17.5 for adults and €15 for 18-25 year-olds. Admission is free for children under 18.