Palazzo Vecchio
The medieval town hall on Piazza della Signoria, with a sweeping fresco-covered hall, and the Arnolfo Tower, which you can climb for views of the cathedral dome.
Built in 1299, it is still Florence's town hall. The museum section includes the Salone dei Cinquecento decorated by Vasari, the private apartments of the Medici family, the Map Room, and the 'Secret Passages' guided tour. The 94-metre Arnolfo Tower can be climbed, with views straight across to the dome of the Duomo. Museum admission is about €12.50; climbing the tower costs extra. The museum has shorter opening hours on Thursday afternoons. A replica of Michelangelo's David stands at the entrance, and the nearby Loggia dei Lanzi displays sculptures that can be viewed for free.
Opening hours
Museum about 09:00–19:00 (until 14:00 on Thursdays)
Nearby sights
- Piazza della Signoria
- Uffizi Gallery
- Museo Galileo
- Bargello National Museum
- Ponte Vecchio
- Giotto's Campanile
- Florence Cathedral (Duomo)
- Medici Chapels & Basilica of San Lorenzo