Palazzo Vecchio Secret Passages Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets

Step beyond the ordinary as you explore secret passages once used by dukes and spies.

A rare perspective

Ascend Duke Gualtieri’s medieval stairway, then slip through a hidden door disguised by a painting—a thrilling peek into Renaissance intrigue. Follow a twisting path that leads to concealed chambers and private studios. From a secret vantage point, see the resplendent Salone dei Cinquecento, gazing at its vast, coffered ceiling, a masterpiece of Medici ambition.

The cherries on top

Afterwards, your skip-the-line tickets let you roam freely, from the ornate courtyard to the private Medici apartments full of frescoes and treasures of Florence’s ruling dynasty.

Palazzo Vecchio Secret Passages Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets

Discover Palazzo Vecchio on this guided tour that includes skip-the-line tickets, providing unparalleled access to the historic fortress and city hall of Florence. This 2-hour exploration covers the entire complex, from the medieval stairway to the hidden coffered ceiling in the Salone dei Cinquecento, offering insights into its rich history and architectural marvels. Highlights include climbing Duke Gualtieri’s medieval stairway, navigating narrow passages, entering a hidden door disguised by a painting, admiring the Medicean Palace, and discovering the Hall of Lilies with sculptures like Judith and Holofernes by Donatello and the Genius of Victory by Michelangelo. The tour is available in multiple languages including English, Italian, German, French, Spanish, and Portuguese, ensuring accessibility for all visitors. With a maximum group size of 25 people, this intimate experience allows you to explore at your own pace while enjoying exclusive access to areas not open to the general public.

Explore Palazzo Vecchio's Medieval Stairway

Your tour stops at Duke Gualtieri’s medieval stairway where guests can climb 150 steps up through a narrow passage that leads directly into the heart of the palace. Built in the early 14th century, this stairway is one of the few original structures still intact within Palazzo Vecchio. Visitors spend approximately 20 minutes navigating these winding stairs and discovering hidden doors disguised by paintings. This unique feature allows access to areas typically off-limits to the public, providing an exclusive glimpse into Florence’s medieval history.

Discover the Salone dei Cinquecento's Hidden Ceiling

The tour continues at the Salone dei Cinquecento where guests can view the stunning coffered ceiling of this grand hall from a rare vantage point. The room, measuring 56 meters long and 19 meters wide, was constructed in the early 16th century under Cosimo I de' Medici’s rule. Guests spend about 30 minutes here exploring its intricate frescoes and architectural details while learning about the historical significance of this space as Florence's main council hall during the Renaissance period.

Marvel at the Hall of Lilies

Palazzo Vecchio stands over the remains of the grand theatre of Roman Florence, built in the 1st century BC. Your tour leads you to the Hall of Lilies where visitors can admire two significant sculptures: Judith and Holofernes by Donatello and the Genius of Victory by Michelangelo. This hall was completed in 1495 under the rule of Piero de' Medici, serving as a testament to Florence’s artistic heritage with its detailed frescoes and elaborate decorations covering nearly 200 square meters. Guests spend around 15 minutes here, appreciating the intricate details and historical context.

Tour Highlights

• Climb Duke Gualtieri’s medieval stairway
• Navigate narrow passages with hidden doors
• Admire Salone dei Cinquecento’s coffered ceiling from a rare vantage point
• Audio guide in English, Italian, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese
• Discover the Hall of Lilies and its sculptures by Donatello and Michelangelo
• Explore Palazzo Vecchio with exclusive access to hidden areas not open to the public
• Experience Florence’s history through a 2-hour guided tour

Perfect for travelers, art enthusiasts, and history buffs, this guided tour provides an in-depth exploration of Florence's most iconic landmarks. The intimate format allows you to climb Duke Gualtieri’s medieval stairway, admire the Salone dei Cinquecento’s coffered ceiling from a rare vantage point, and discover the Hall of Lilies with its sculptures by Donatello and Michelangelo. This tour offers an unparalleled look into Florence's rich history and architectural heritage.