Palazzo Vecchio

Palazzo Vecchio and its wonders.

Palazzo Vecchio is absolutely one place you simply cannot miss, when stepping into Florence, the beating heart of Renaissance art and culture.

So don’t hesitate and join me for a guided tour that will take you beyond the iconic facade and into the fascinating world of Medici power, political intrigue, and artistica mastery.

A journey through history: the heart of florentine politics.

Built in 1299, Palazzo Vecchio served as Florence’s political epicenter for centuries. From its humble beginnings as the seat of the Republic to its transformation into a ducal palace under the Medici, every stone of this historica landmark tells a story.

I will guide you through the grand Salone dei Cinquecento, the largest and most imposing room in the palace. Designed to embody the strenght and unity of Florence, this hall was adorned with epic frescoes by Giorgio Vasari – vivid depictions of battles and victories tah will leave you in awe. The artist conceived it as a celebration of Florence, nevertheless he was soon forced to create a place that celebrates Cosimo I de’ Medici, the new duke of Florence.

Did you know that Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo were once commissioned to work side by side in this room? While their rivalry remains the stuff of legend, traces of their contributions – never realised – are still subjects of fascinating debates.

Masterpieces of art and hidden secrets.

Palazzo Vecchio is not just a historical monument; it’s an art lover’s paradise. Here’s a few things you can see inside.

• The Studiolo di Francesco I , a small jewel of alchemic ymbology hidden among the mythological scenes.
• Private apartements of Cosimo I and Eleonora, entirely and carefully frescoed with scenes that recalls the virtues of  members of the Medici family and illustrious women of the Bible or the past history.
• The Quarters of elements, used by Cosimo as a boardroom. The allegory elements of the water, fire, air and earth are painted by Giorgio Vasari again.