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Piazza della Signoria: see the statue of Cosimo I up-close and visit Palazzo Vecchio on Christmas

Join guided tours of the statue’s restoration site in Piazza della Signoria, Florence, over Christmas 2022, and take advantage of the extra opening hours at Palazzo Vecchio.

Create special Christmas memories in one of the most spectacular squares in Florence: Piazza della Signoria is home to some of the most extravagant artworks the city possesses, with both the exterior (take a look at the Loggia dei Lanzi!) and interior (the Palazzo Vecchio Museum) vaunting unforgettable pieces. Having been the seat of Florentine political power from the time of the Medici through to today, there’s nowhere better to spend a few hours embracing the culture of the city over the festive period. 

Restoration of the statue of Cosimo I: guided visits of the site

Don’t miss the unique opportunity to see the rebirth of one Piazza della Signoria’s most significant works up-close. Visits to the restoration-in-progress are available from December, allowing you to witness the works being undertaken on the equestrian monument of Cosimo I de' Medici. The renowned bronze work by the esteemed Renaissance sculptor Giambologna was commissioned by Ferdinando I de' Medici, the Grand Duke of Tuscany from 1587-1609, to honour Cosimo I who was the Grand Duke from 1537 to 1569.

The Salvatore Ferragamo fashion house has helped make the site open to the public, giving visitors the chance to experience the city’s artistic heritage in an extraordinary and innovative way, allowing you to observe the restorers as they undergo their meticulous maintenance work.

Expert restorers from Cooperativa Archeologia will bring visitors through the structure that’s surrounding the famous equestrian statue, bringing you face to face with Cosimo I and his horse. See the restorers at work and experience for yourself what it means to be so close to a work of art, getting to know the materials and techniques in detail.

Free guided tours of the site: dates and booking

Learn more about the statue’s history, find out how it was made, and understand the techniques restorers use to bring it back to its former glory. The itinerary winds all around the work, from its marble base to its top, via the construction site stairs that bring you to see the statue of Cosimo I that has been temporarily separated from his horse in order to restore all parts of the bronze.

Guided tours are completely free with reservations required, taking place until the restoration work is complete. Dates that are currently available are December 16 and 23, and January 13 and 27, with tours at 9am, 10am, 11am and midday. The calendar for the following months will be available shortly.

The first two time slots are reserved for individuals, while the others are aimed at schools (excluding December 23 when all slots are reserved for individuals). To participate, reservations are required via the portal: https://www.restaurandofirenze.com/en/educational-tours/. 

Palazzo Vecchio: special opening hours on Christmas and New Year's

Celebrate the Christmas holidays in Florence by visiting Palazzo Vecchio, with the museum remaining open on December 25, 2022 and January 1, 2023.

Make sure to add these masterpieces to your must-see list: Donatello’s Giuditta, Bronzino’s paintings in the Chapel of Eleonora, and Michelangelo’s The Genius of Victory. 

Book your slot online while purchasing your ticket via the official ticket office: ticketmusei.comune.fi.it. Alternatively, write to info@musefirenze.it or call 055 2768224.