The imposing Palazzo Vecchio was born on the ruins of the Roman Theatre of Florentia. Just a few steps downstairs and you find yourself back in ancient Rome!
The theatre could host 10 thousand people, with a diameter of about 100 meters; the cavea headed towards piazza Signoria, the scene towards via de’ Leoni. It was built immediately after the foundation of the colony named Florentia and then enlarged, at the beginning of the second century a.C., as the city significantly grew.
Unlike the anphitheatre located in Santa Croce district, this one was basically used to stage prose theatre until the 5th century. Then, it was subjected to spoliation and abandon and some of its spaces improperly used, such as the “Burelle” (radial corridors). In the 19th century part of the cavea came to light, but only thanks to the archaeological excavations, ended in 2010, was finally possible to open this site to the public.
Palazzo Vecchio - Scavi del Teatro Romano
Piazza della Signoria, 50122 Firenze FI, Italia
The Archaeological site called “Excavations of the Roman Theatre” is partially accessible (with an accompanying person). It is closed since March 2020, and it will reopen only when the health emergency will be definitely solved, as it is not possible to guarantee minimum social distancing.
MUS.E Association regularly organizes guided tours and workshops in Palazzo Vecchio and in the other City Museums of Florence for special audiences with visual or hearing impairments and people with intellectual disorders or senile decay. These activities are designed for the specific needs of any of them, to make the museum experience immersive, relevant and enjoyable for all. For information and booking: info@muse.comune.fi.it ; + 39 055-2768224.
