Palazzo Vecchio Secret Passages Tour

Palazzo Vecchio Secret Passages Tour

The Palazzo Vecchio has presided over the Piazza della Signoria in Florence since the architect Arnolfo di Cambio began its construction in 1299. This majestic building has borne witness to numerous conspiracies and undergone major renovations over the years. What few people know, however, is that the rulers who lived there used these alterations to add clandestine entrances and chambers for their personal use.

To discover the secret passages of the Palazzo Vecchio, we'll meet at the scheduled time at the entrance of the palace on Via dei Gondi. The guide will be waiting there to take you on a tour that's impossible to do on your own.

We'll begin by climbing up the secret staircase of the Duke of Athens, Gualtiero de Brienne, who gave the Palazzo Vecchio its fortress-like appearance. This nobleman used the passageway to flee the residence after narrowly escaping a conspiracy.

Next, we'll come to the Hall of Geographical Maps and pass through a door hidden in one of its panels. Here we'll see the mysterious study of Francesco I de' Medici, where this young prince used the space to hide his precious treasures. While we're here, we'll try to guess why it's shaped like a boot.

Our tour will end in the Hall of the Five Hundred, where we'll unveil the secrets concealed within this regal place. After discovering this unknown side of the Palazzo Vecchio, we'll say our goodbyes after a total of an hour.