The archaeological site beneath Florence’s Palazzo Vecchio has reopened to the public after five years. The underground area reveals remains of the Roman theatre of ancient Florentia, alongside later medieval structures.
The reopening was organised by the Florentine Civic Museums and the MUS.E Foundation. It allows visitors to explore layers of the city’s history from Roman times to the Renaissance.
Guided tours take place every Saturday and Sunday at 12 p.m. and 12:45 p.m. Groups are limited to 15 people. Tickets cost €4.
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The Roman theatre was built during Florence’s early colonial period and expanded during the imperial age, likely under Emperor Hadrian. It could hold between 8,000 and 10,000 spectators. Its semi-circular seating extended beneath today’s Palazzo Vecchio and Palazzo Gondi. The stage faced Via dei Leoni, while the cavea opened towards what is now Piazza della Signoria.
The theatre fell into disuse in the 5th century AD. As the Roman Empire declined, parts of the structure were reused for storage, workshops, burials and later fortifications.
During the Lombard period, sections became a watchtower known as the Guardingo. In the Middle Ages, some areas served as prisons. From the 11th century, tower houses and residences were built above the ruins. These were later incorporated into Palazzo Vecchio, whose construction began in the late 13th century.
The site closed first due to the COVID-19 pandemic and later for safety and fire-prevention work.
Florence culture councillor Giovanni Bettarini said the reopening restores access to “an invaluable heritage that tells the ancient story of Florence’s origins”.
