Palazzo Vecchio, Town hall in Central Historic District, Florence, Italy
Palazzo Vecchio is a town hall in the central historic district of Florence, Italy, built with thick stone walls and a tall tower that dominates the square below. The building displays both Romanesque and Gothic influences, with crenellations running along the roofline and narrow windows set into the heavy masonry.
Work on the building started in 1299 under Arnolfo di Cambio, who incorporated remains from earlier structures once owned by the exiled Uberti family. Over the following centuries, the palace served as the seat of government for both the medieval Florentine republic and the later Medici rulers, with each period leaving its mark on the interior spaces.
Inside the building, visitors walk through chambers where Florentine leaders once gathered to debate and govern the city during its years as a republic. The walls display paintings and sculptures that reflect how those in power wanted to present themselves and their victories to citizens and foreign ambassadors.
Access to the building is through the main entrance on the square, where stairs lead to upper floors and the museum sections. Visitors planning to climb the tower should be ready for narrow spiral staircases and steep steps, though the view from the top extends across the entire city.
The tower incorporated sections from an older structure belonging to the Foraboschi family and later functioned as a prison for political captives. Among those held in its upper cells was Cosimo de Medici, who eventually returned to lead the city after his release.
Location: Florence
Inception: 1299
Architects: Arnolfo di Cambio
Architectural style: Romanesque art, Gothic architecture
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Address: Piazza della Signoria 1
Opening Hours: Monday-Wednesday 09:00-19:00; Thursday 09:00-14:00; Friday-Sunday 09:00-19:00
Phone: +390552768325
Website: https://cultura.comune.fi.it/pagina/musei-civici-fiorentini/museo-di-palazzo-vecchio
GPS coordinates: 43.76944,11.25611
Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:22
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