Palazzo Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria in the city centre of Florence
Palazzo Vecchio is located in Piazza della Signoria in Florence and is the seat of the Municipality. It is one of the most famous civic buildings in the world. The palace was founded between 1299 and 1314 and was used as a residence and place of work for the ruling body of the Republic of Florence. Throughout the centuries the palace had several uses and its name changed according to its usage. From 1865 to 1871 it was the seat of the Parliament of the Kingdom of Italy, while today it houses the Mayor of Florence and various municipal offices. Today most of the building is a museum.
We recommend that you consider a minimum of two hours for the visit. If you also want to linger in the other areas of the Palace as well, the ideal would be to dedicate three hours to this visit.
The best time to visit Palazzo Vecchio is during early mornings and late evenings to experience smaller crowds.
How to best experience Palazzo vecchio?
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What is Palazzo Vecchio?
Nowadays it is a museum as well as the seat of the mayor and various municipal offices.
Why is Palazzo Vecchio so called? What does “Palazzo Vecchio” mean?
Originally called Palazzo dei Priori, it was later identified in the 15th century as Palazzo della Signoria, from the name of the main body of the Republic of Florence; in 1540 it became the “Palazzo Ducale”, when Duke Cosimo I de ‘Medici made it his residence; finally the name” Vecchio” when, in 1565, the Grand Duke Cosimo I elected the Pitti palace as his palace (although the court was officially transferred there in 1588 by the Grand Duke Ferdinando). Palazzo Vecchio means “Old Palace”.
How many floors are there in Palazzo Vecchio?
The structure is divided into three floors, a gallery and the tower. The ground floor is very closed, has a few and small single lancet windows and the entrance is not symbolized by an imposing portal, but by a simple wooden coffered door.
Who built Palazzo Vecchio?
The palace is attributed to Arnolfo di Cambio, architect of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Basilica of Santa Croce, who began to build it in 1299.
General informations
Useful information for your visit to Palazzo Vecchio.
Location
Palazzo Vecchio is the most impressive building in Piazza della Signoria.
Opening hours
To visit Palazzo Vecchio the times are as follows:
- From 1 April until 30 September:
From Friday to Wednesday: 9 am until 11 pm.
Thursday: 9 am – 2 pm
From 1 October until 31 March:
From Friday to Wednesday: 9 am until 7 pm.
How to get to Palazzo Vecchio
To reach Palazzo Vecchio:
Buses: lines C1, C2 and D
Attractions nearby
- Piazza della Signoria (48 m)
- Uffizi Gallery (98 m)
- Museo Galileo (179 m)
- Museo Nazionale del Bargello (198 m)
- Ponte Vecchio (281 m)