My only real disappointment in Florence came with the Duomo. I arrived too late in the day to be able to climb high into Brunelleschi’s dome to see for myself this amazing construction. I had to be content with worshipping from the ground, but I knew that there was more than one place to admire from. Palazzo Vecchio provided a perfect viewing platform, and so much more.
Funny to think of this grandiose building as the town hall of Florence, but so it is. Built in 1299 as Palazzo della Signoria, to house the ruling body of the Republic of Florence, the Signoria, its fortress-like appearance belies the opulence inside. Much of this was added when Duke Cosimo 1 de Medici made it his official residence in 1540.
Intrigue was rife and in 1549 Cosimo moved his family across the River Arno to the security of Palazzo Pitti, renaming his former residence Palazzo Vecchio. The ‘Old Palace’ houses many secrets. Can you imagine the extreme need for privacy that led to the commissioning of an above-ground ‘hidden’ walkway? The Vasari Corridor leads from Palazzo Vecchio, through the Uffizzi, and across Ponte Vecchio to the Pitti Palace.
Impossible to orchestrate the full history of this palace, but come with me to whet your appetite a little.
And we’ve barely reached the cloisters! In the vast ground floor space I was challenged as to which ticket to purchase. ‘Tower plus Museum’ sent me off in the direction of my first flight of steps, while the other half reclined with a coffee.
A statue beckons from a niche, and in no time I’m on a level with the roofs of Florence. The 94 metre high tower sits on the solid structure below and contains 2 small cells. Savonarola was detained here before his trial. A not too challenging stairwell leads you upwards until you are atop the tower, with sweeping views across Florence, even on a grey day. I watched the clouds anxiously as I knew the tower is closed if it rains.
The impact of the Salone dei Cinquecento defies description. Built in the 15th century to house Maggiore Consiglio, Florence’s legislative assembly, the ‘Hall of the 500’ is still used today for ceremonial events. Folding chairs sit in the hush, while you try to take in the wonder of Michelangelo and his contemporaries, all around you.
Using my Museum ticket I was free to go at my own pace. A circuit of the palace takes you through a sequence of splendour, each ceiling a work of art, the walls bathed in beauty. The culmination is a view down into the hall from the second floor. Breathtaking!
Through realms of fantasy, pomp and splendour to Eleanora’s private apartments and chapel. Did ever a family live in such style?
And then the Room of the Elements. You don’t have to be an art lover to be spellbound by this place. Not for everybody, the style and eloquence of the de Medici’s. But you can’t help but be snared by the imagination and sheer daring of these people.
I don’t want to spoil it for you by revealing more. I can only urge that if you find yourself in Florence, you dedicate a little time to Palazzo Vecchio. You can take a number of tours that delve deeper into the history, or simply do as I did. And it is a simply splendid place to be Atop Florence.
restlessjo 
You didn’t book tickets but bought a museum card? I’ve bought Uffizzi ones so far but need to go here too!
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We just bought individual tickets, Gilly, because we only did Uffizi, booked online, and Palazzo Vecchio. There wasn’t even a queue for that but I loved it. We didn’t climb the Duomo. Just to go inside is free. 🙂
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I LOVED the room of elements 💙 Lovely photos, nicely written! Thumbs up😊
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I can see we’re going to get along fine! Many thanks x
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The art is amazing, if not my thing, yet I am always fascinated by the incredible history behind the artwork, and of course your amazing photos Jo 🙂 Your first few photos remind me a little of the view from the city walls of old Dubrovnik 🙂 xxx
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Aspects of the Med, Sherri. But Florence was a love affair all of its own. 🙂
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oh my . . . what beauty, but a bit like in Porto the extravagance is almost overwhelming. Quite extraordinary to think people lived and worked in this extravagant Palazzo. I wonder if after a while they didn’t notice or it?
Thank you so much for sharing, and apologies I am so late to join you. I got very behind whilst in Lisboa and Porto, still it does mean I am having an extravagant morning myself today as I scroll through everyone’s posts 🙂
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Hi Becky 🙂 I wasn’t sure exactly when you were back and I knew you’d had a full on time so I wasn’t sitting waiting 🙂 🙂 I saw a couple of Instagram photos but not much else because we fitted in a trip to Anglesey last week. Feet never touched the ground. And then you’ll have all those lovely photos to sift through. Weeks of dedication 🙂 🙂 When do you go back to England- remind me again?
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hee hee . . . glad you have not been sitting there waiting!
We fly back Sunday evening so will be watching out for you Sunday morning as you fly in! Looking forward to our catch up the following week xx
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Yes- that’s what I thought but couldn’t be sure. See you soon! 🙂 🙂
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It’s on my list of things to inhale whenever I get to Florence, Jo. I’ve read so much about the city, the architecture and the art, I feel like I’ve been there! Thanks for the wonderful photos. That secret passageway was a central feature in Dan Brown’ second book, I believe.
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I’ve never read those books, Noelle, but I’ve watched countless TV documentaries. Sumptuous comes to mind 🙂
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Impressive pictures Jo, I especially like how you captured the statues in that beautiful light. It’s not easy to capture an artistic masterpiece on camera, but you pulled it off. All beautiful! You picked the perfect time of year to go to Italy, it looks as though you had the streets to yourself. We went a few years ago to Florence in late May, and it was a mob scene. Loved it, but felt like I would have loved it more when others weren’t trying to love it so much, too!
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We took a risk with the weather because it could have been damp and miserable, but we were very lucky. No crowds and no Summer mosquitos 🙂 Thank you very much. I had to do a little cropping and tweaking but I was pleased at this collection of memories.
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I’m happy it was great! I enjoyed your trip to Italy. 🙂
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Thanks, darlin! 🙂 Are you wandering any time soon?
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We’re heading out to Southern California to celebrate our daughter’s graduation from University. I can’t believe how quickly those 4 years flew by. It will be more of a family vacation than a wander. I’ll be cooking up something else soon, I hope! Have a great evening, Jo. Love catching up with you!
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A proud moment! Have a lovely time. Glad I managed to catch you 🙂 🙂
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There’s almost too much detail to take in. Sensory overload.
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Yes! 🙂 And we’d been to the Uffizzi earlier that day!
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Herrlich… 😀
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Danke 🙂 🙂
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Both of your Florence posts this week are good sharp pokes at me to get to this beautiful city!
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Consider yourself poked 🙂 🙂 I can’t see how you’ll regret it, but there’s a lot of world out there, isn’t there? Thanks!
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