Hotels to remember: Palazzo Vecchio
Grand Hotel Cavour
Firenze (Firenze) - 4 Star Hotels
A period palazzo, contemporary luxury and a view of the cathedral you'll never forget!
Hotel Lungarno
Firenze (Firenze) - 4 Star Hotels
Tantamount to a private art gallery on the banks of the river Arno, Hotel Lungarno is anything but your average Florentine 4 star.
J and J Historic House Hotel
Firenze (Firenze) - 4 Star Hotels
A marvelous mix of modern day elegance with real renaissance charm, Florence's J and J Hotel is the most beautiful boutique property in the district of Santa Croce.
Travel ideas
Itineraries (Florence) Itineraries
Florence for beginners
The colourful Santa Croce district is an eclectic mixture of artisans shops, medieval and renaissance masterpieces.
Itineraries (Florence) Itineraries
Dante's Florence
From Porta San Gallo to the Bargello, admiring the many splendors of 13th century Florence
Palazzo Vecchio: introduction
Built in 1299 to the designs of Arnolfo Cambio, Palazzo Vecchio was originally the seat of the Piori delle Arti e della Signoria, and temporary residence of the great Ducal family of Cosimo I de' Medici. After the family moved to Palazzo Pitti, Palazzo Vecchio was largely restored. Many rooms were renovated and ornamented, with sumptuous decorations by Vasari, who bore in mind that the building was soon destined to be the seat of the government, and would provide hospitality for the Royal Family. Today, Palazzo Vecchio houses a large museum in the part of the building named Quartieri Monumentali. The 16th century Salone, the Stanza degli Elementi, Francesco I de' Medici's study and the Sala dei Gigli can be seen here. The Loggia dei Lanzi dominating the Piazza della Signoria in front of Palazzo Vecchio, provides a dramatic stage for the statues of "Perseo" by Cellini and "the Rape of the Sabine Women" by Giambologna.
