Here is where history played itself out. For more than seven centuries Palazzo della Signoria – also called Palazzo Vecchio – has been the symbol of civil power in the city of Florence, and preserves extraordinary evidence of Italian history and art.

Built between the 13th and 14th century to house the Priori delle Arti (members of the Art Corporation) and the Gonfalonier of Justice, Palazzo della Signoria – an imposing, charismatic construction that dominates Piazza della Signoria and which has been the headquarters of the Municipal Council since 1871 – has undergone over time continuous transformations, such as the restructuring and decorative works ordered in the mid-16th century by Cosimo I de’ Medici.

The palace is an extraordinary witness of Florentine history and art, from the remains of the underground Roman theatre and the sumptuous rooms of the monumental quarters, to the spectacular panoramic views of the Camminamento di Ronda (patrol walkway) and the Arnolfo Tower that overlooks Florence. The rooms are all particular and unique, such as the Sala delle Carte Geografiche (Hall of Maps) with more than fifty panels painted with all the parts of the world known in the 16th century and a globe of exceptionally large dimensions.

There are countless treasures to be found here: Judith by Donatello, The Genius of Victory by Michelangelo, paintings by Bronzino and Ghirlandaio, and the list goes on. And with a guided visit it is also possible to discover some of its secrets, such as the hidden staircase within the thick walls. Despite the fact that the palace-museum is an institutional seat, visits are possible all year round, but it may happen that on the occasion of particular ceremonies it is temporarily closed in whole or in part.

Discover here the true essence of Florence!