Tour Details
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Product Type
- Tour
- Venues
- Palazzo Vecchio
Photos & Highlights
- Learn the history of Florence's political intrigues and dramas from Machiavelli to the Medici
- Led by a historian
Select a date
Tour Description
Towering over Piazza della Signoria, where it was built in 1299, Palazzo Vecchio is the center of the civic power of Florence, and for over seven centuries it has been one of the most recognizable symbols of the city. Once the Republic’s headquarters, it became the center of the Medici’s rise to power, and the site for Savonarola’s apocalyptic preaching and “bonfire of the vanities” in the fifteenth century.
On this 2.5-hour Palazzo Vecchio tour, led by a historian, you will explore Palazzo Vecchio and its layered history, discover the Medici’s influence, and encounter Renaissance figures like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Machiavelli, gaining insight into the politics and intrigues that shaped the Italian Renaissance.
Experts
The tour begins in front of the palace, in Piazza della Signoria, with a brief introduction to the Florentine Republic’s history. Inside Palazzo Vecchio, you’ll explore the Hall of the Five Hundred - Salone dei Cinquecento, a grand room full of history and secrets. The walls are painted by Giorgio Vasari and celebrate the victories of Cosimo I Medici over the rival cities of Siena and Pisa. According to some controversial research, the Vasari wall would conceal the remains of a long-lost unfinished fresco by the end of Leonardo Da Vinci.
Next, you will visit Cosimo’s private rooms and the apartments of the powerful and influential Eleonora da Toledo, Grand Duchess of Tuscany, where you will gain insight into female power in Florentine politics. By the end of the tour, you’ll have a deeper understanding of Florence’s rise as a center of art and culture, and of the Medici’s influence on history.
- You are fascinated by the history of the Medici family, or you know very little about them, and you want to delve deeply into their legacy and secrets.
- You wondered about the history and purpose of Palazzo Vecchio as you passed by it or saw it in every photo of Florence.
- You want the help of a historian to understand the intricate role that power played in the Renaissance.
- Palazzo Vecchio
Tickets
Your tickets will be pre-purchased, allowing you to skip the ticket office line and proceed directly to security when you arrive at the museum. You may still have to wait in a security line, or before your ticket is scanned.
Additional Trip-Planning Resources
- For more information on planning your travels to Florence, take a read through our Context Stories.
- If you are looking to learn more about Florence prior to a visit, check out our online lectures.
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 Uffizi Gallery included on this tour? This tour focuses exclusively on Palazzo Vecchio. If you’re interested in the Uffizi Gallery, we highly recommend you book our Uffizi Gallery Tour: Crash Course.
Can we bring kids on the tour? Families are welcome on this tour, but please keep in mind that the tour is not specifically designed for children. Younger kids might not engage with all of the topics of this tour.
Should we skip this tour if we've already taken other Medici-focused tours? Will there be an overlap? No, there is no overlap with other Medici-focused tours. While there is some minor content similarity, this tour offers unique insights on Palazzo Vecchio and can be enjoyed alongside other tours, like, for example, our Medici History Tour. The Medici ruled Florence for centuries, providing endless fascinating stories and details to explore, so each tour adds a new layer to their history.
We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.
Is this tour wheelchair-friendly? Yes, this tour is suitable for those with mobility issues, as the first two floors of Palazzo Vecchio are fully wheelchair accessible. The amount of walking is moderate, and while seating is limited, there is an opportunity to sit in the Salone dei Cinquecento at the beginning of the tour.
Where You'll Start
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84 Reviews
Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
Great tour. Sandro's knowledge is encyclopedic. You could spend 3 hours looking at just one mosaic and listening to everything that happened around it. Imagine walking across Palazzo Vecchio... we learnt a lot. Grazie Sandro
Magdalena
May 12, 2025
Valentina was a wonderful tour guide. We learned so much and enjoyed the palazzo vecchio far more than we would have on our own. My daughters said they’ve never enjoyed museums so much. I highly recommend!
Beth
Dec 30, 2024
Siro was a terrific guide; he was so well informed about the art, the history, and the politics, while also explaining how all of these fit into the larger picture of Florence, Italy, and the world. He was also thoughtful about us, as the tour proceeded, ensuring our needs were met and questions were answered. It is always so great to spend time with someone who is so interested in the topics at hand. Thanks so much!
Amy
Nov 28, 2024
