Tickets to Palazzo Vecchio

The Medici Treasure

Historically, the Hall of Maps functioned as the container for the Medici Treasure, as the maps are actually the doors of large built-in cabinets. In these spaces, they kept priceless objects, ranging from gold and silver jewelry to exotic tapestries and rare manuscripts.

Another space linked to the concept of treasure is the Studiolo of Francesco I, a small secret chamber decorated with paintings and sculptures that served as a "cabinet of curiosities." There, the son of Cosimo I kept his most intimate and rare possessions, such as precious gems and alchemy objects. These places demonstrate how the palace was not only a center of political power but also a monumental safe for the dynasty’s fortune.

Photo: "Studiolo di Francesco I" by Zairon.

The Apartments of the Elements

The Apartments of the Elements consist of a series of rooms on the second floor dedicated to mythological deities such as air, water, fire, and earth. Each room features an allegorical decoration consistent with its name, executed under the direction of Giorgio Vasari and his workshop. The goal of this iconographic cycle was to establish an analogy between the creation of the cosmos and the new political order established by the Medici in Tuscany.

The main room, dedicated to the basic elements, shows scenes of the castration of Uranus, a mythological event that gave origin to life. These spaces stand out for their richly decorated ceilings and original terracotta floors, offering a deep insight into the symbolism and philosophical thought that predominated in the Florentine court.

Photo: "Sala degli elementi" by Sailko.

The archaeological area

The archaeological excavations located beneath the ground floor of Palazzo Vecchio expose the foundations of the ancient Roman Theater of Florentia (ancient Florence), originally built during the 1st century AD. The structural remains allow for the identification of the layout of the cavea, the space intended for the public, which possessed the capacity to hold approximately 10,000 spectators.

The route shows masonry walls, radial corridors, and drainage systems dating from the Roman Imperial era. Following the abandonment of the theater infrastructure in the 5th century, the foundations were reused for the construction of medieval housing and, subsequently, for the support of the current government palace. Showcases integrated into the circuit exhibit ceramic fragments, objects of daily use, and architectural elements recovered.

Photo: "Palazzo Vecchio, sotterranei con scavi dell'antico Teatro Romano di Firenze" by Sailko.

Closing days and special opening hours

Palazzo Vecchio hours during the year 2026 include total and partial closures on dates of institutional or religious relevance. The dates confirmed so far are as follows:

• Closing days: Palazzo Vecchio will remain closed to the public on February 14 and December 25.
• Partial closures: on Tuesday, July 14, the Salone dei Cinquecento will be cordoned off from 12:30 to 13:30, and the Salone dei Dugento will be unavailable from 8:00 to 13:00.

On other days like May 1 (Labor Day) or June 24 (St. John the Baptist, patron of Florence), the palace may modify its service hours or close specific sections for official ceremonies. We advise checking the official website before planning your visit.

How to get there

Palazzo Vecchio is located in Piazza della Signoria, in the pedestrian center of Florence. To reach this area, you can use different means of transport:

• Bus: Lines C1 and C2 have nearby stops in the Duomo and Uffizi Gallery area.
• Train: The main station, Santa Maria Novella, is about a 15-minute walk away.
• Car: We do not recommend the car, as the center is a Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL). You must park in peripheral car parks such as Sant’Ambrogio.

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Accessibility

The museum is fully accessible for people with motor disabilities. It has an elevator located in the main courtyard (Cortile di Michelozzo) that connects to the upper levels. Additionally, ramps exist for internal height differences and adapted toilets are available.

However, the archaeological excavations of the Roman theater (underground level) and the tower are not accessible for wheelchairs due to the historical structure of the building which prevents the installation of elevators in those specific areas.