Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Palazzo Vecchio
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The Palazzo Vecchio (“Old Palace”) still
fulfils its original role as Florence's town
hall. It was completed in 1322 when a
huge bell, used to call citizens to
meetings or warn of fire, flood or enemy
attack, was hauled to the top of the
imposing belltower. The palazzo has
retained its medieval appearance, but
much of the interior was remodelled for
Duke Cosimo I when he moved into the
palace in 1540. Leonardo and Michel-
angelo were asked to redecorate the
interior, but it was Vasari who finally
undertook the work. His many frescoes
(1563-5) glorify Cosimo and his creation
of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.
.
Sala dei Gigli (Room of the Lilies)
Gold fleurs-de-lis, emblems of Florence, cover
the walls in between Ghirlandaio's frescoes
(1485) of Roman statesmen.
PALACE GUIDE
A monumental staircase leads
to the first-floor Salone dei Cin-
quecento, with its frescoed walls
and marble statues. Above this
is a suite of decorated rooms
once used by the rulers of Flo-
rence. Parts of the Salone dei
Cinquecinto, the Studiolo of
Francesco I, the Treasury
of Cosimo I and the staircase
of the Duke of Athens are only
accessible by tour. The tours
follow the “secret routes”
made for the rulers.
Heraldic Frieze
Shields on the façade
symbolize episodes in
Florentine history.
The crossed keys
represent Medici
papal rule.
Loeser
collection
Campanile
Cortile della
Dogana
.
Cortile and
Putto Fountain
A copy of Verrocchio's Putto
Fountain was placed in the
courtyard by Vasari in 1565.
KEY TO FLOORPLAN
Ground floor
First floor
Mezzanine floor
Second floor
Museum
entrance
Temporary exhibition space
Non-exhibition space
