Old Palace

Palazzo Vecchio, located in Piazza della Signoria in Florence, is a monument of extraordinary historical and artistic importance. Its construction began in 1299 based on a design by Arnolfo di Cambio and was completed in the following centuries. Originally called Palazzo dei Priori, it became the center of political power in the Republic of Florence. In the 15th century, it was renamed Palazzo della Signoria, after the main organ of the republic. In 1540, Cosimo I de’ Medici transformed it into his residence and called it Palazzo Ducale. Finally, it became Palazzo Vecchio when the court moved to Palazzo Pitti in 1565. The building is characterized by its sturdy stone facade, the 94-meter high Arnolfo Tower, and numerous battlements that give it an imposing and austere appearance. The tower, not located in the center of the building, incorporates the ancient Tower of the Vacca. The exterior of the palace is enriched with a series of coats of arms representing various aspects of the Florentine Republic, including the Florentine lily and the symbol of the Signoria with the inscription “Libertas”. The main entrance, located on the podium, is flanked by two statues: a copy of Michelangelo’s David and Baccio Bandinelli’s Hercules and Cacus. Above the entrance, the marble frontispiece bears the monogram of Christ and the inscription “Rex Regum et Dominus Dominantium”, commissioned by Cosimo I. Inside, Palazzo Vecchio houses numerous richly decorated rooms that testify to the magnificence and power of the Medici. The Hall of the Five Hundred, built in 1494 during the Republic of Savonarola, is one of the most grandiose rooms. Here, Vasari and his workshop created a cycle of frescoes celebrating the Medici’s military victories. The hall is dominated by the coffered ceiling and huge mural paintings depicting historical battles. The Eleonora di Toledo Quarter, wife of Cosimo I, is another space of great interest. Here is the Chapel of Eleonora, frescoed by Bronzino with scenes from the life of Christ. The chapel is an extraordinary example of Florentine Mannerism, with vibrant colors and intricate details. The Elements Quarter, located on the second floor, includes the Hall of the Elements, the Hall of Hercules, and the Hall of Jupiter, all decorated with frescoes celebrating the virtues and power of the Medici. The Leo X Quarter, dedicated to the first Medici pope, houses the Leo X Hall, the Cosimo the Elder Hall, and the Lorenzo the Magnificent Hall, each with frescoes glorifying members of the Medici family. One of the most fascinating spaces is the Studiolo of Francesco I, a small curiosity cabinet hidden behind a secret door. Decorated with frescoes and stuccoes, the studiolo was a place of reflection and study for Francesco I de’ Medici, passionate about natural sciences and alchemy. The walls of the studiolo are covered with painted panels depicting the four elements (earth, water, air, and fire) and their corresponding human activities. In addition to the historical rooms, the Museum of Palazzo Vecchio houses a vast collection of artworks, including sculptures by Michelangelo, Donatello, and Verrocchio. One of the most famous works is Donatello’s Judith and Holofernes, a bronze sculpture representing the victory of the Florentine people over tyrants. The palace is also famous for the Vasari Corridor, an elevated passageway built by Giorgio Vasari in 1565 to connect Palazzo Vecchio to Palazzo Pitti. This corridor, about a kilometer long, crosses the Ponte Vecchio and offers a spectacular view of the city. It was used by the Medici to move between the two residences without being seen, ensuring their security. Today, Palazzo Vecchio is the seat of the Municipality of Florence and the mayor of the city, as well as an important museum that attracts thousands of visitors every year. The palace represents a symbol of Florence’s political and artistic history, a place where the past and present intertwine in a continuous dialogue. Visiting Palazzo Vecchio means immersing oneself in centuries of history, admiring works of art, and discovering the stories of the characters who have shaped the city.