category of places

Palazzo Vecchio

About

Palazzo Vecchio is the enduring symbol of Florence’s civic power, a fortress‑palace that has dominated Piazza della Signoria since the early 14th century. Once the seat of the Florentine Republic and later the residence of the Medici, it blends medieval austerity with Renaissance splendour. Inside, grand chambers unfold in a sequence of frescoes, gilded ceilings and monumental sculptures, culminating in the vast Salone dei Cinquecento, created for the city’s governing council and later transformed by Vasari. The palace also preserves intimate Medici apartments, secret passages and panoramic terraces overlooking the rooftops of Florence. Still functioning as the city hall, Palazzo Vecchio offers a rare encounter with a building that remains both a historic monument and a living centre of civic life, capturing the political drama and artistic ambition that shaped Florence.

Florence Italy

Location

Palazzo Vecchio is located in the heart of Florence on Piazza della Signoria, 50122 Firenze, where it serves as the city’s historic town hall. The building directly overlooks Piazza della Signoria itself, surrounded by major landmarks including the Loggia dei Lanzi, the Fountain of Neptune and the equestrian statue of Cosimo I. It is just a short walk from the Uffizi Gallery and the Arno River with the Ponte Vecchio, while Florence Cathedral (the Duomo) can be reached on foot in around 7–10 minutes through the historic center.

Palazzo Vecchio

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