We have previously written about the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence on many occasions and there are plenty of reasons to plan a visit to this historic gem if you have found a villa in Florence. The former town hall of Florence, this impressive fortress is an influential architectural work, steeped in the history of the city, home to incredible examples of Florentine works of art and craftsmanship from throughout the centuries, it is an excellent museum, and it is (supposedly) frequented by some intriguing ghostly figures. However, if you have found a luxury villa in Florence and you are coming to visit this highlight of the city, there is one other great reason to come: it is one of the best places to take in an incredible panorama over the stunning skyline of Florence.
Located in the Piazza della Signoria, the Palazzo Vecchio is a rusticated stone-faced castellated palazzo and a truly impressive and imposing solid mass of a building that is punctuated by two rows of two-lighted Gothic windows (and some other openings). On top of the building, a clock tower looms overhead. This clock tower is one of the most imposing of the medieval towers that still remain in Florence and it is named the Torre d'Arnolfo after the building's architect, Arnolfo di Cambio, who also designed Florence's Duomo and the Church of Santa Croce. At a height of 95 meters, it is the highest civic symbol in the entire city and boasts sweeping views over the city and the surrounding valley in which Florence is located. While you should definitely take the time to explore the rest of the building, heading up to the tower is a must. You can also decide to just visit the tower rather than go through the museum and there are separate entrance fees for both.
Located in the Piazza della Signoria, the Palazzo Vecchio is a rusticated stone-faced castellated palazzo and a truly impressive and imposing solid mass of a building that is punctuated by two rows of two-lighted Gothic windows (and some other openings). On top of the building, a clock tower looms overhead. This clock tower is one of the most imposing of the medieval towers that still remain in Florence and it is named the Torre d'Arnolfo after the building's architect, Arnolfo di Cambio, who also designed Florence's Duomo and the Church of Santa Croce. At a height of 95 meters, it is the highest civic symbol in the entire city and boasts sweeping views over the city and the surrounding valley in which Florence is located. While you should definitely take the time to explore the rest of the building, heading up to the tower is a must. You can also decide to just visit the tower rather than go through the museum and there are separate entrance fees for both.
There are a few things to note if you are planning on climbing to the top of the Torre d'Arnolfo to take in the views over Florence. Most importantly, if it is raining, it will be closed to the public for your own safety. Furthermore, as there are 416 steps to the top and it is quite steep, the climb is closed to those under six and not recommended for those who have difficulties walking, heart problems, asthma, or a fear of heights. Those under 18 must be accompanied by a legal adult. Finally, if you are climbing the tower you may be saddened to know that you cannot actually get to the very top but, rather, only as far as the second crenelated battlement. However, the view from this point alone is already stunning and well worth the effort of sweating your way up all of those steps!
So, if you have found a luxury villa in Florence and you are planning on spending any time exploring this wonderful city in Tuscany, be sure to visit the Palazzo Vecchio to learn more about the city's rich and fascinating history. Once you're there, if you are fit enough to do so, then we highly encourage you to climb the Torre d'Arnolfo and to admire those same city streets that you have been exploring on foot from a bird's eye view above. Or, if you aren't interested in visiting the museum but you are looking for some of the best places to take in views over Florence, then this is definitely one of the places to add to the list! No matter what kind of topics or tourist attractions you happen to be interested in, this is surely one of the most truly magical places to visit while on a vacation in Tuscany.
So, if you have found a luxury villa in Florence and you are planning on spending any time exploring this wonderful city in Tuscany, be sure to visit the Palazzo Vecchio to learn more about the city's rich and fascinating history. Once you're there, if you are fit enough to do so, then we highly encourage you to climb the Torre d'Arnolfo and to admire those same city streets that you have been exploring on foot from a bird's eye view above. Or, if you aren't interested in visiting the museum but you are looking for some of the best places to take in views over Florence, then this is definitely one of the places to add to the list! No matter what kind of topics or tourist attractions you happen to be interested in, this is surely one of the most truly magical places to visit while on a vacation in Tuscany.
Photo credits
Picture 1: Giacomo Poggianti / CC BY-SA 4.0;
Picture 2: Sailko / CC BY-SA 3.0
Picture 1: Giacomo Poggianti / CC BY-SA 4.0;
Picture 2: Sailko / CC BY-SA 3.0
