Palazzo Vecchio
Palazzo Vecchio is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Florence audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~90 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type palace
- Suggested visit ~90 min
- Florence Florence guide
About Palazzo Vecchio
Florence's medieval fortress-palace and still-functioning town hall, featuring the vast Salone dei Cinquecento painted by Vasari and a 94-metre tower that has dominated the city skyline since 1314.
The Palazzo Vecchio, 'Old Palace', has served as Florence's seat of government since it was built between 1299 and 1314 under the design of Arnolfo di Cambio. Its fortress-like exterior, battlemented walls, and soaring 94-metre asymmetric tower make it the most recognisable building in the Florentine skyline after the dome.
Inside, the ground floor Salone dei Cinquecento is one of the largest and most magnificent council halls in Italy: 52 metres long, 23 metres wide, with a coffered ceiling 18 metres above and walls covered by Vasari's vast battle-scene frescoes depicting Florentine military victories. A hidden chamber, a studiolo commissioned by Francesco I de' Medici, features an extraordinary programme of Mannerist panel paintings. The palace remains the seat of Florence's city government and mayor's office to this day.
Did you know? Leonardo da Vinci's lost Battle of Anghiari mural may still exist behind Vasari's fresco on the east wall, researchers have detected a tiny gap between the walls and traces consistent with Leonardo's paint formula.
How long should you spend at Palazzo Vecchio?
Plan about ~90 min at Palazzo Vecchio. That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is Palazzo Vecchio worth visiting?
Palazzo Vecchio is one of the 42 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Florence, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in Florence
Hear the story of Palazzo Vecchio
Preview the Florence tour free in the Gingerguide app.