Tour Details
Photos & Highlights
- Palazzo Vecchio tour led by a historian
- Traces the history of Florence's political intrigues and dramas from Machiavelli to the Medici
- Palazzo Vecchio
Tour Description
For over seven centuries, Palazzo Vecchio has been the symbol of the civic power of Florence. Towering over Piazza della Signoria, where it was built in 1299, the palace hosted the Medici (as their private home) and the headquarters for the Republic. In this Palazzo Vecchio Tour, led by a trained historian, we will dive into the famed palace and its layered history. Using art and architecture as our text, we'll look deeply into the intrigues, dramas, and machinations that fueled the Florentine Renaissance.
Palazzo Vecchio Tour
During our two and a half hours together we’ll look closely at the rise of the Medici family and their influence on the city. In our exploration, we’ll encounter such Renaissance thinkers as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Machiavelli, and the great Medici power brokers and patrons that helped make their work possible. We’ll watch the old republican democracy of Florence fade into the quasi-monarchical court of the Medici, and meet a wide array of significant figures from history, including the radical cleric Savonarola whose apocalyptic preaching and eventual “bonfire of the vanities” shook Florence in the last decade of the 15th century. Along the way, we’ll gain valuable insight into the politics, biographies, and intrigues that helped shape the Italian Renaissance.
On the Walk
Our visit begins in front of the palace, in Piazza della Signoria, with a brief introduction to the political forces at work during the era of the Florentine Republic. Stepping into Palazzo Vecchio we’ll spend time in the Hall of the 500, a sort of battleground between the Medici and Republican ideals: an enormous chamber packed full of history and fascinating details. Here we’ll encounter and familiarize ourselves with the life-long achievements of Cosimo I, Grand Duke of Tuscany. Using the vivid artwork left by Giorgio Vasari and his school, we will retrace the conquests of the Medici grand duchy, discussing the rivalry between Florence, Siena, and Pisa, and how power was consolidated by the Medici family. We will also spend some time discussing a significant and controversial discovery in the Hall of the 500 of a long-lost da Vinci fresco and the forty-year research project behind it.
From Art to Feminism
The rest of our visit will include time in Cosimo’s private rooms that highlight the glories of the Medici rulers beginning with Cosimo the Elder, the Pater Patriae, banker, and artistic patron who gave rise to the family legacy in the early 15th century. Through Vasari’s stunning Hall of the Elements, we will reach the apartments of the powerful and influential Eleonora da Toledo, Grand Duchess, where we will have the opportunity to understand the role of female power in the context of Florentine politics. We will proceed to observe the Florentine Mannerist frescos in the Hall of Justice and after lingering on Donatello's original bronze statue of ''Judith and Holofernes'' in the Hall of the Lilies we will stop at Machiavelli's office and the impressive Hall of Geographical Maps, a massive wardrobe for the Medici possessions. Our discussion will range across topics, from art to politics to sexuality; but our narrative will continue to center on the struggle for power and the use of that power once attained.
Take-Aways
At the end of our time together we’ll come away with a much more detailed picture of Early Modern Florence when the city rose to become one of the most important centers of art and learning in the world. We’ll emerge with a better understanding of the Medici family and their pivotal influence on history.
Looking to learn more about the Medici? Head next door for their resplendent art collection on our Uffizi Tour, or visit their stunning gardens on our Florence Secret Gardens Tour.
FAQs
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Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Where do we meet? Where does the tour end?
We meet at Piazza della Signoria and end at Palazzo Vecchio. Your confirmation email will have the exact meeting point details along with a map.
Is the Duomo included on this tour?
Yes, you will see the Duomo on this tour and discuss its magnificent exterior and significance. It doesn’t however include a visit inside the cathedral. If you wish to visit inside and learn more about the Duomo, book our Florence with Kate, Cultural Historian or Florence Duomo Exclusive Access Tour with Terraces View tours.
Is the Uffizi Gallery included on this tour?
It’s not. If you’re interested in the Uffizi Gallery, we highly recommend you book our Uffizi Gallery Tour: Crash Course.
Where You'll Start
Tour Experts
Cornelia has a PhD in art history from Columbia University and wrote her dissertation on Renaissance city planning. She is especially knowledgeable about Medici patronage. In addition to her research and teaching, Cornelia, a mother of a disabled child, runs an association dedicated to barrier-free travel in Florence and is author of "The Accessible Guide to Florence."
Elizabeth recently received her MA in Florentine Renaissance art from Syracuse University in Florence. Her interests include women's history and women artists, particularly by women in convents. In addition to leading walks, she also lectures at various universities and institutions in Florence.
Valerie received her BA with distinction in Art History and Museology at the University of Florence, focusing on the Renaissance art market. Although German, Valerie was born and raised in Rome, making her eager to build bridges across different cultures. She also works for the educational department of the state museums in Florence, where her mission is to communicate art and culture as a means of understanding the visual signs that surround us.
44 Reviews
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Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
Martino was extremely knowledgeable. Also, it was very easy to listen to him and ask questions. Highly recommend.
John
Dec. 3, 2021
Martino is an amazing guide. He is incredibly knowledgeable about Medieval and Renaissance Florence, and he is a born teacher, responsive to our group and able to answer our questions and adapt to our needs. This is the third time I have requested him as a guide. He is exceptional.
Sue ellen
Nov. 7, 2021
Alessandra had a great narrative and answered a range of questions we needed to understand more.
Douglas
Oct. 6, 2021
