Visit the Vecchio Palace in Florence: tickets, prices, times

Are you going to discover Tuscany? So don't miss visiting the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence!

If you are passing through the beautiful city of Florence, the capital of Tuscany, do not miss visiting one of its symbols: the Palazzo Vecchio . Also known as the Old Palace, this monument is located on the most emblematic square of the city: Piazza della Signoria.

Its imposing architecture, crowned with crenates and looking at a tower of 94 meters high, deserves the detour alone. If the Palazzo Vecchio was the heart of the political life of medieval Florence, he now plays the role of a city hotel. However, a part remains open to the public, as the monument gathers an important set of Renaissance art works.

This can be seen, inter alia, in the work of Michel Ange , Vasari, Donatello and Bronzino . Torre d’Arnolfo offers one of the most beautiful views of the city of Florence. It would be a shame to pass by this!

The history of Palazzo Vecchio in Florence

It was in 1299 that the palace was built as the seat of the government of Florence. Drawing by Arnolfo di Cambio , he was originally called the Palazzo della Signoria, because he was home to the seigneury. The monument, however, often changed its name, in association with the renovations it undergoes. It became under Ghost I , the Palazzo Ducal, after the latter restructures it to make its main residence.

It is only during the move of Côme 1 and the family of Medici for the Palazzo Pitti that the building was renamed the Palazzo Vecchio. He then became the headquarters of government offices and the place where valuables were preserved.

Today, the Palazzo Vecchio houses the Municipal Council of Florence, but it has become a Museum where the public can come to admire magnificent art rooms and works, testimonies of the history of the city.

What to see and do at Palazzo Vecchio in Florence?

The Palazzo Vecchio is one of the most famous symbols of Florence. Indeed, he alone is an important testimony of the past. You can discover many works and especially very beautiful rooms. One of the first ones you will encounter when visiting Palazzo Vecchio is the “ Salle des Cinq Cents “ (Salone di Cinquecento). This lounge of 54 meters long and 22 meters wide will undoubtedly impress you. You can see scenes of battle painted from the floor to the ceiling by Vasari and disciples, to the glory of the victories of Florence on his rivals Pisa and Siena.

Then stop at the Chapelle Saint-Côme and Saint Damien . The Salon des Cinq Cents leads directly to this chapel where a triptych is dedicated to the two saints: Saint Côme on the right and Saint Damien left.

Don't miss visiting either Studiolo de François 1er . Located on the first floor, this room is also worth a visit. It was Côme 1er who commissioned Vasari the decoration of this sumptuous cabinet which was intended for his son François 1er. The paintings of the lower part conceal 20 cabinets where the young man could hide his treasures.

Finally, you can't escape La Torre d’Arnolfo . This tower of 94 meters high dominates the Palazoo Vecchio. It was built in the early 14th century and owes its name to its architect, Arnolfo di Cambio. It was completed in 1453 with the erection of a bell tower, a bronze sphere and the Marzocco (the symbol lion of the city).

From the terrace, the view on the Piazza della Signoria and the city is breathtaking. To deserve it, 418 steps will be required. Access is limited to 25 people and each visitor has 30 minutes to enjoy it.

How to visit Palazzo Vecchio in Florence?

In addition to the classical visit of the Palace, several courses are offered to the public. One of the most popular visitors is “ Secret proceedings “. The latter allows, as its name suggests, to discover unique places such as Secret staircase arranged in the thickness of the south wall of the Palace and many other unsuspected places.

A second course named “ The secrets of Inferno “, allows him to go in the footsteps of the best saddler Dan Brown : Inferno . In fact, a part of the intrician takes place in Florence and especially in the Palazzo Vecchio. You can find the different routes on the Museum of the Palazzo Vecchio .

Know that there are also guided tours of the Palace , which take place upon reservation by email or by telephone. They last about 75 minutes and cost 2.5€ (for residents of the Municipality) to 5€ (for non-residents). This rate is to be added to the museum’s entrance price. It is an excellent way to learn more about the history of this place.

How to get to Palazzo Vecchio in Florence?

If you want to visit the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, it is located on the most important square in the city: Piazza della Signoria. Between the Place du Dôme and the Arno River, there are some of the most famous monuments in Florence.

To visit the Palazzo Vecchio you have to go to Florence. The city is very well served and several means are available to you:

• By plane:

L’ Florence airport-Peretola is located 4 km northwest of the center of the city of Florence. Air France and Alitalia provide daily rotations from €200 go and return. Prices are very variable, we recommend you compare tickets to our partner's website Ulysses . De Paris , you will reach the capital of Tuscany in about 2 hours. A bus service will allow you to reach Florence in less than 30 minutes.

You may also arrive at Galileo Galilei Airport, 90km from Florence. Take about 10€ to reach the city by bus in 1h20.

• By train:

You can also reach Florence by train. The main station is Florence Santa Maria Novella (SMN). More information on the site de trenitalia .

• By car:

It is very difficult to circulate in the cities of Tuscany. Florence does not derogate from the rule. If you have decided rent a car when you arrive at the airport , know that the historic centre and therefore the Palazzo Vecchio district is fully pedestrian (except taxis and residents). So you'll have to park outside the city center. Do not hesitate to read our article “ Cheap car park in Florence: where to park in Florence? » .

• By bus or tram:

We therefore advise you to preferring public transport to visit Florence and visit the Palazzo Vecchio. Many bus companies, such as Eurolines, offer routes to major Italian cities.

A bus network, from the company ATAF , also allows you to move to Florence. line 23 has several stops near the Palazzo Vecchio, and thus allows to get closer to the main monuments of the city. You will also find a minibus service that can easily move in the narrow streets of Florence.

• On foot:

However, if you live in the centre, the best way to visit Palazzo Vecchio in Florence is to on foot . You can reach the monument from the Place du Dôme by descending via dei Calzaiuoli. It is also an excellent way to visit and discover the city. So take the time to survey the little pedestrian streets and let yourself be won by the charm of Florence.

Timetables and rates at Palazzo Vecchio in Florence?

HORARI

The Museum of Palazzo Vecchio is open daily except December 25 and a few holidays.

It should be noted that the schedules differ in summer and winter:

• April to September, the Museum opens its doors from 9am to 11pm, except Thursday from 9am to 2pm
• From October to March, however, it opens from 9am to 7pm, except Thursday from 9am to 2pm

RATES

In terms of rates, it will be necessary to count:

• 12,5€ admission to the Museum for an adult
• 10€ for persons aged 18 to 25

For visit the Tour alone , the same rates will also be required. One. combined ticket However, there is for the visit of the two: it will take €17.5 for adults and €15 for persons between the ages of 18 and 25. Admission is free up to 18 years.