Located in Florence, Palazzo Vecchio (the Old Palace) is considered to be the town hall of the city. It’s located near Piazza della Signoria, right next to Loggia dei Lanzi and a copy of Michelangelo’s infamous David. This palace was originally named “Palazzo della Signoria” and its name changed multiple times throughout the centuries and got the name it has now when Palazzo Pitti became the Medici Duke’s residence.
Let’s find out something more about Palazzo Vecchio in Florence and why it’s worth a visit!
The history and significance of Palazzo Vecchio
Built-in 1299 by the Florentines in order to house the organizations of the republic and represent the power of the people and the republic. The Palace was fundamental to showcasing the importance of the city of Florence and its strength.
The construction of Palazzo Vecchio was carried out by Arnolfo di Cambio, the same architect who designed the Santa Croce Church and the infamous Dome of Florence. The palace was built on the ruins of Palazzo dei Fanti and Palazzo dell’Esecutore della Giustizia.
The architecture of Palazzo Vecchio – a marvel of Gothic Style
Palazzo Vecchio is built in the shape of a cube and made out of stonework. Its façade presents two rows of two-lighted windows, built in Gothic style, with a trefoil arch. The bas-reliefs of the Florentine lily and the cross were added on top of these arches by Michelozzo di Bartolomeo Michelozzi as a decorative element.
The Tower of Palazzo Vecchio and its secrets
The Palace is also filled with embrasures, used for dropping liquids or to easily stop invaders. One of the most interesting aspects of Palazzo Vecchio is its tower, decorated with a clock. The tower is not centered in the building because Arnolfo di Cambio used the Foraboschi family tower as the substructure to build the tower we see today. This tower, commonly known as Torre d’Arnolfo because of its architect’s name, also contains two small prison cells where Cosimo de’ Medici was imprisoned!
The ornamentation of Palazzo Vecchio – the marble frontispiece
An interesting aspect of Palazzo Vecchio is definitely its marble frontispiece. Made in 1528, this ornament consists of two gilded lions and the Monogram of Christ in the middle, all located above a text written in Latin that says: “King of Kings and Lord of Lords” (“Rex Regum et Dominus Dominatium”).
Another important thing about the Entrance of Palazzo Vecchio is that the original Michelangelo’s David used to be in front of the palace. It was later on removed and brought to the Accademia Gallery and substituted by a replica in 1910.
Palazzo Vecchio Today
Palazzo Vecchio is nowadays one of the most important symbols of the city of Florence and a core element of its history. With its 94 meters high tower, the Palace currently is a museum with several rooms that you can visit. Symbolizing the power of the Florentine People, discovering the secrets it holds with a guide or an audio guide is definitely your best option.
Conclusion
Visiting Palazzo Vecchio during a Florence Tour surely is a must. Its favorable location also allows you to visit it alongside multiple interesting areas of the city, making it possible for you to make the most of your days in Florence. If you want to get to know more about this beautiful city, check out our other blogs!
