Your experience

Delve into Florence’s intriguing past as you navigate the secret passages and hidden spaces of Palazzo Vecchio—home to the powerful Medici family. This immersive guided tour lifts the curtain on centuries-old secrets and architectural marvels, combining guided adventure with skip-the-line entry for a smooth, enriching visit.

History comes alive

Begin by climbing Duke Gualtieri’s medieval stairway, following the same route once trodden by Renaissance nobles, court members and, quite possibly, spies. Slip behind disguised doors—one cleverly concealed within a painting—into chambers once reserved for rulers and confidantes. Your guide brings each corner alive with stories, anecdotes and insights into Medici life and Florentine intrigue.

Hidden gems and unique perspectives

The tour brings you to secluded passageways and private studies, revealing features rarely accessible to the public. You’ll take in the splendor of the Salone dei Cinquecento not from the bustling main floor, but from a privileged vantage point above. Gaze across its vast, frescoed ceiling—a testament to Medici ambition and Renaissance artistry.

• Catch views of the Medicean Palace interiors from places many miss

• Walk through narrow corridors used by dukes to evade intruders and servants alike

• See original artworks including Donatello’s Judith and Holofernes and Michelangelo’s Genius of Victory in the Hall of Lilies

Freedom to explore

When your guided experience concludes, use your skip-the-line access to explore Palazzo Vecchio further at your own pace. Stroll through the grand courtyards and ornate apartments showcasing Florence’s artistic and political golden age. Discover frescoes, ancient sculptures and, if you wish, the vestiges of Florentia’s ancient Roman theatre lying beneath the palace itself.

Planning your visit

Located in the city’s iconic Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio’s opening hours stretch from morning through early evening. Please check exact timings for the date of your visit. Be sure to bring a valid ID and be aware that large bags and umbrellas must be stored in the cloakroom prior to entry. Due to the historic nature of the secret passages, the tour is not suitable for wheelchairs or those with mobility limitations.

Whether you’re passionate about art, fascinated by history or simply curious, this tour unlocks delights only insiders usually see.

Book your Palazzo Vecchio Secret Passages Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets tickets now!