Palazzo Vecchio is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating places in Florence, a real jewel of Italian art, where history, beauty and mystery merge. Located in Piazza della Signoria, after having hosted the Parliament of the Kingdom of Italy (1865 - 1871), it is now the seat of the Municipality of Florence, as well as a very precious museum. Built in the XNUMXth century, it has undergone numerous changes over time, even taking on different names.
Originally it was Palazzo dei Priori, but it became of the Signoria in the 1540th century (taking the name of the main body of the Republic of Florence). In 1565 it was Palazzo Ducale (when Duke Cosimo I de 'Medici moved there). Since XNUMX it has been Palazzo Vecchio (because in that year the Duke's court moved to Palazzo Pitti).
Palazzo Vecchio, a Gothic-style fortress
Political symbol of the city, it has the appearance of an imposing styled fortress Gothic. Inside, it is enriched by magnificent courtyards, a monumental staircase built by Giorgio Vasari, masterfully frescoed Renaissance rooms and halls. The building, attributed to the architect Arnolfo di Cambio, who began to build it in 1299, was born to house the Priors and the Gonfaloniere di Giustizia (the supreme governing body of the city), therefore to ensure effective protection for the magistrates in times of turbulence and, at the same time, celebrate their importance . When Arnolfo died, the palace was completed by two other masters in 1314.
Palazzo Vecchio, the facade
The building is built in local stone and is crowned by a crenellated parapet supported by small arches and corbels. On the facade there are a series of coats of arms, testimony of medieval Florence and its balance of power. In front of its entrance you can admire the marble statue of David of Michelangelo (the original is kept in the Accademia Gallery), together with copies of those of Marzocco (a heraldic lion) and Judith and Holofernes (the original is now in the Bargello Museum), both masterpieces by Donatello.
Palazzo Vecchio, built on the ruins of an ancient Roman theater
Built on the remains of a palace that belonged to the Ghibelline family of the Uberti, defeated by the Guelph faction after infighting and expelled from the city in 1266, Palazzo Vecchio rests its foundations on the ruins of theancient Roman theater of Florentia (XNUMXst century AD). They are still visible along a circuit that winds through the underground level of the building, the excavations of which continue to reveal remains from different eras. There are several entrances to access it, including the Porta della Tramontana, the Porta della Dogana and the Porticciola.
Palazzo Vecchio: the Arnolfo Tower
The imposing tower, visible on the main facade of the building, dates back to 1310 and hides a cell (called the Albergaccio). This was the place of imprisonment for Cosimo de 'Medici, condemned to exile in 1435, and Girolamo Savonarola, executed as a heretic in 1498. About 94 meters high, it is one of the unmistakable symbols of Florence.
Climbing the 406 steps that lead to the top, you enter the ancient patrol walkway. From here you can admire the wonderful panorama of the city. A real feast for the eyes. The Tower is not exactly in the center of the building. Arnolfo built it on another pre-existing one, belonging to the Foraboschi family, called “della Vacca” due to the nickname that the Florentines gave to the large bell that surmounted it.
Palazzo Vecchio: the museum
Since, in the mid 500s, Cosimo I de 'Medici and his wife Eleonora di Toledo made Palazzo Vecchio their residence, they brought about a substantial transformation. Taking advantage of the collaboration of great artists, the building was enlarged to double its size. Internally, the palace began to become an architectural gem, largely thanks to the work of Giorgio Vasari. The artist was also responsible for the design of the Salone dei Cinquecento, the Studiolo of Francesco I, the neighborhood of Eleonora and the neighborhood of the elements. In what today is one of the most beautiful and visited museums in the world, works by artists of the caliber of Michelangelo Buonarroti, Donatello, Verrocchio are exhibited.
The Salone dei Cinquecento
One of the most spectacular rooms in the whole palace is the Salone dei Cinquecento. 52 meters long and 32 meters wide, it was built in 1494 by Simone del Pollaiolo, commissioned by Savonarola. The latter was the spiritual leader of the Florentine Republic which had replaced the Medici after their exile. Initially the hall was the seat of the Grand Council, composed of five hundred members, then of the court of Grand Duke Cosimo I. During the expansion works, carried out by Giorgio Vasari, some works were lost, such as the Battle of Cascina and the Battle of Anghiari, painted by rivals Michelangelo Buonarroti and Leonardo da Vinci.
In reality, both works remained incomplete. Traces of it are still sought in the interstices behind the paintings of Vasari and his team. The same frescoes that he painted in the Hall hide secrets: a detail of Cosimo I's Victory in Marciano in Val di Chiana bears, at the top and not very visible, the words “search finds”, the meaning of which still remains an unknown. The coffered ceiling is made with 39 built and painted panels. The wonderful frescoes that decorate it, as well as all the decorations in the room, are rich in symbols and religious references and were intended to enhance the greatness of Cosimo I and the Signoria.
Other masterpieces
There are also many beautiful rooms that take their name from the lords who made the Medici dynasty great in various eras: Lorenzo the Magnificent, Pope Leo X, Pope Clement VII, Cosimo the Elder, Cosimo I, Giovanni dalle Bande Nere, the only leader of the house. Doctors. The museum is full of places to visit, including: the Priori Chapel, which welcomed Fra 'Savonarola in prayer; the Sala dell'Udienza and the Sala dei Gigli, richly decorated with works by Benedetto da Maiano, Ghirlandaio, and wooden doors with depictions of Dante and Petrarch.
But also the Room of the Wardrobe, where the Medici kept their most precious possessions, in which today they can be admired geographic maps of great interest and a famous globe. Another well-known place is the Old Chancellery, which hosted Niccolò Machiavelli during the period in which he was Secretary of the Republic. Last but not least, the so-called Mezzanine, where the Charles Loeser Collection is visible. Palazzo Vecchio is therefore one of the most extraordinary monuments of Florence, which contains a very precious part of the history and art of the city. Not only. It is a mysterious place, which also hides secret passages inside. In short, a palace of great charm and culture, to be absolutely visited.
(Photo MUSE Florence Facebook page)
