Overview
Begun in 1299, the Palazzo Vecchio is the historic seat of the Florentine Republic and still serves as the city hall. The 94m Arnolfo Tower dominates the skyline, and Vasari (Michelangelo's rival) lavishly redecorated the interior in Renaissance style under Cosimo I. Don't miss the colossal frescoes of the Hall of the Five Hundred, Michelangelo's 'Victory,' and works by Donatello. The square in front, Piazza della Signoria, is an open-air sculpture gallery with a David replica, the Neptune Fountain, and Cellini's 'Perseus with the Head of Medusa' (in the Loggia dei Lanzi). Admission about EUR 17 (tower additional EUR 12.50). Next to the Uffizi.
Opening Hours
09:00-19:00 (Thursdays 09:00-14:00)
Travel Tips
The tower offers views over Florence and the Duomo. Take a break at a piazza cafe with the David replica and palazzo in view.
Hotels near Palazzo Vecchio & Piazza della Signoria
Hotels and guesthouses in Florence, Centro Storico, Florence
Other attractions in Florence
Uffizi Gallery
A world-class museum brimming with Renaissance masterpieces, including Botticelli's Birth of Venus.
Florence Duomo
The cathedral whose Brunelleschi-designed red dome dominates Florence's skyline.
Piazzale Michelangelo
A hilltop terrace offering the most iconic panoramic view of Florence, especially at sunset.
Ponte Vecchio
The medieval bridge across the Arno, its sides lined with goldsmiths' shops - a Florence icon.
Galleria dell'Accademia (David)
The museum housing Michelangelo's original David statue.
Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens
The Medici family's grand Renaissance palace and the prototype of the Italian formal garden.
Basilica of Santa Croce
The Italian Pantheon, with tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli.