Palazzo Vecchio

Florence » What to See » Monuments & Piazzas » Palazzo Vecchio

Palazzo Vecchio

Palazzo Vecchio, literally the "Old Palace", still fulfils its original role as Florence's town hall. Completed in 1302 by Arnolfo di Cambio, the palazzo retains its medieval appearance although much of the interior was remodeled for Duke Cosimo I when he moved into the palace in 1540, transferring the ruling family from its old residence near San Lorenzo (now known as the Palazzo Medici-Riccardi, on via Cavour). It became known as Palazzo Vecchio when Cosimo transferred his court to Palazzo Pitti. During the brief period that Florence was the capital of Italy (1865-71), it housed the Parliament and Foreign Ministry.

The original part of Palazzo Vecchio is the work of Arnolfo di Cambio (1245-1302) and was built at the turn of the thirteenth and fourteenth century as the seat of the Priors. Successive additions of the fifteenth and, above all, of the sixteenth centuries have changed the scale of the rear of the palace without modifying the massive appearance of the huge blocks, gallery and tower dominating Piazza Signoria.

Initially the seat of the Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio was also the temporary residence of the Grand Ducal family under Cosimo I de' Medici before their transfer to Palazzo Pitti. It was during this period, from 1550 to 1565, that Vasari transformed it, sumptuously redecorating the newly reconstructed interiors for the palace's role both as the seat of government and as the official residence of the ruling family. The entire palace is a museum, especially the so-called "Monumental Quarters".

Let us take the most important interiors in order, starting with the first entrance courtyard with its white and gold stuccoes over an elegant structure of the fifteenth century. One then arrives immediately in the old Armory, where the Town Council of Florence organizes frequent exhibitions. On the first floor is the grandiose Salone dei Cinquecento, the work of Cronaca (1495) which held the assemblies of the General Council of the People under the State reforms brought about by Savonarola.

The walls of this room should have been frescoes by Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci; the actual appearance of the interior is the work of Vasari and his pupils and dates from the second half of the sixteenth century. The panelled ceiling and wall frescoes, the "Udienza" (the raised section of the room with statues by Bandinelli and Caccini) and the sculptures of De' Rossi showing the Deeds of Hercules - all belong to the complex symbolism and precise historical references glorifying the Medici. Also in the Salone is Michelangelo's Genius of Victory.

In contrast to the grandiose Salone but equally sumptuous is the little Studiolo of Francesco I, a jewel of Mannerist art and sensibility to which the prince would retire to gaze at his treasures. This dates from around 1570.

Each one of the rooms on the first floor is dedicated to a personality of the Medici family such as Cosimo the Elder, Lorenzo, Leo X and so on, and is appropriately frescoed.

On the second floor, the Terrazza di Saturno is an open loggia with views towards the hills and the Arno. The Apartment of the Elements and the Apartment of Eleonora of Toledo, wife of Cosimo I are also on the second floor. Even amid its rich decorations, the little chapel of Eleonora of Toledo is outstanding with its magnificent frescoes by Bronzino (1503-1572). This is followed by the great public rooms, the Audience Chamber and the Lily Chamber, with rich ceilings, fleur-de-lys decorations (symbol of Florence) against a blue background, Donatello's Judith and Holofernes (1456-60) and doors of the fifteenth century. Throughout the palace, art and history blend to remind one constantly of its former glories.

The most interesting room is kept for last: the Sala delle Carte (Map Room) has a wonderful collection of globes and 57 maps painted on leather, showing the world as it was known in 1563.

Note: During the summer, walks along the parapets and other parts of Palazzo Vecchio normally not open to the public are organized. Ask at the tourist information center for more information once you are in Florence.

Read More about:

Monuments, Piazzas & Squares in Florence