The palace on Piazza della Signoria has been build at the turning of 13th century for Priors of the Arts and Gonfaloniere di Giustizia the representatives of Signoria of Florence.
At the beginning the building was called the Palazzo della Signoria, or Palazzo del Popolo, when Cosimo I decided to move with his court to the new aquired Palazzo Pitti, the palace was given its present name The Old Palace ( Palazzo Vecchio ).
The Palace kept the function of city hall of Florence, and even for a short time, when Florence was the capital of Italy ( 1865-71 ) became the residence of Parliament and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Palazzo Vecchio still serves as the city hall , with several rooms changed into the museum, where the visitors can see the old interiors of the former residence of rulers of Florence.
The bell hanging on the tower overlooking crenelated roof of the palace for centuries tolled for the important meetings, and warned the people about the incoming enemy or fire.
94 m high belfry named after its designer Torre d’Arnolfo once served as a prison for Savonarola, who stayed in the small room before the final sentence.
Among many of the rooms of Museo di Palazzo Vecchio open for visitors the most significant are:
Salone dei Cinquecento
the chamber that once served as a place of metings 500 members of Republic of Florence Council (Consiglio Maggiore)
is 52 m long and 23 m wide. The ceiling frescoes with battle victories of Florentian forces show the splendour and glory of sponsor
Cosimo I de Medici. In the corner a sculpture by Michelangelo “The Genius of Victory” (1533-1534), originally intended for the tomb of Julius II.
Sala dei Gigli
In the room adorned with lilies – symbol of Florence there is a famous sculpture Judith and Holofernes by Donatello.
The Audience Chamber
or Hall of Justice which used to house the meetings of the six priori (guild masters of the arts) features
the pure gold-laminated ceiling by Giuliano da Maiano (1470-1476).
Sala degli Elementi
consists of several private rooms prepared for Cosimo I. The name comes from frescoes resembling four base elements (e.g. fire and water )
used to create the Universe.
Terrace of Saturn
named for the fresco on the ceiling the loggia features a fabulous view of Florence.
The rooms for Cosimo’s wife Eleonora of Toledo include
Cappella di Eleonora
with frescoes the Stories of Moses by Bronzino.
Museo di Palazzo Vecchio
Piazza della Signoria
Firenze
Phone : 055 2768325
Open:
Wed-Mon: 9-19
Tue and feasts: 9-14
Guides: florence, michelangelo
