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Palazzo Vecchio
The Palazzo Vecchio is the town hall of Florence, Italy. It overlooks the Piazza della Signoria, which holds a copy of Michelangelo's David statue. Originally called the Palazzo della Signoria, it was built between 1299 and 1314 to serve as the seat for the Priors of the Guilds of Florence, the government of the Florentine Republic. The design is attributed to architect Arnolfo di Cambio. Its solid, crenellated, fortress-like appearance was designed to protect the citizens during turbulent times. Its 94-meter (308 ft) tower, known as the Torre di Arnolfo, was a symbol of the city's power. In the 16th century, the palace became the residence of Duke Cosimo I de' Medici, who had it extensively renovated and redecorated. The interior contains magnificent rooms, such as the Salone dei Cinquecento (Hall of the Five Hundred), with vast frescoes by Giorgio Vasari depicting Florence's military successes over Pisa and Siena. Although much of it is now a museum, the Palazzo Vecchio remains the seat of the municipal government and the office of the mayor of Florence.
- Location: Italy
- Top sights: Palazzo Vecchio · Piazza della Signoria · Cortile di Michelozzo
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 2 | 3 | 6 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 23 | 22 | 17 | 13 | 8 | 3 |
| Rain mm | 55 | 66 | 63 | 57 | 63 | 44 | 33 | 40 | 66 | 84 | 96 | 70 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- Construction began in 1299 and was largely completed by 1314.
- The tower, Torre di Arnolfo, is 94 meters (308 ft) high.
- The Salone dei Cinquecento measures 54m long, 23m wide, and 18m high.
- From 1540, it became the residence of Duke Cosimo I de' Medici.
- The Vasari Corridor connects the Palazzo Vecchio to the Pitti Palace.
- A gilded weathervane in the shape of a lion, the Marzocco, crowns the tower.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Palazzo Vecchio (10)
Loggia dei Lanzi
Building in Florence, an open-air loggia with sculptures on Piazza della Signoria.
Gabinetto dei Disegni e delle Stampe degli Uffizi🏛 museum
Prints and drawings department of the Uffizi in Florence.
Fondazione Zeffirelli Onlus🏛 museum
Museum dedicated to the life and work of director Franco Zeffirelli.
Sala della Musica
Theatre in the Palazzo Vecchio.
Chiesa di San Carlo dei Lombardi
Church building in Florence, dedicated to Saint Charles Borromeo.
Badia Fiorentina
Abbey in Florence, a former Benedictine monastery.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
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Palazzo Vecchio: where is it located?
Palazzo Vecchio: what is there to see?
Palazzo Vecchio: when is the best time to visit?
Palazzo Vecchio: why is it worth visiting?
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