Palazzo Vecchio
Palazzo Vecchio has been Florence's town hall since the late 13th century and remains the seat of the city's municipal government today, its fortress-like exterior and tall clock tower dominating Piazza della Signoria. Cosimo I de' Medici lived here before moving the family residence to the Pitti Palace, and much of the interior decoration dates from that Medici period.
Inside, the Salone dei Cinquecento is a vast frescoed hall built for a short-lived republican council and later redecorated with monumental works celebrating Medici military victories; it's also the room where Michelangelo and Leonardo were both, at different times, commissioned to paint battle scenes that were never completed.
A climb up the tower offers one of the best elevated views over central Florence, similar in spirit to the Duomo dome climb but shorter and less crowded.
Palazzo Vecchio FAQs
Yes, part of it functions as Florence's actual city hall, alongside the museum areas open to visitors.
It's usually a separate or add-on ticket from the main museum rooms; check current combined ticket options.
It's a shorter, less crowded climb with excellent views, including a good angle on the Duomo's dome itself.
No, the David standing outside Palazzo Vecchio is a copy; the original is in the Accademia.
About 1-1.5 hours for the main museum rooms, more if you add the tower climb.
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