Ancient Roman theatre beneath Palazzo Vecchio reopens to visitors

After five years of closure, the archaeological site under Florence’s town hall welcomes the public again, revealing remains from the Roman theatre of Florentia and later medieval layers.

The archaeological excavations under Palazzo Vecchio are open again to the public after a five-year interruption. The reopening, organised by the Florentine Civic Museums together with the MUS.E Foundation, allows visitors to explore one of the city’s most remarkable underground sites, which traces Florence’s development from the Roman age to the Renaissance.

Guided tours are available every Saturday and Sunday at 12 p.m. and 12:45 p.m., limited to 15 participants per group, with tickets costing €4.

The area preserves the remains of the large Roman theatre that once stood at the heart of Florentia. Built during the city’s early colonial phase and expanded in the imperial period — probably under Emperor Hadrian — the theatre could hold between 8,000 and 10,000 spectators. Its semi-circular cavea extended under today’s Palazzo Vecchio and Palazzo Gondi, with the stage oriented towards Via dei Leoni and the seating area facing what is now Piazza della Signoria.

The theatre remained in use until the 5th century AD, when the decline of the Roman Empire and the Gothic Wars led to its abandonment and decay. Over time, the corridors known as burelle, which supported the cavea, were reused as storerooms, lime kilns, animal stalls and burial sites. During the Lombard period, parts of the structure were fortified and used as a watchtower known as the Guardingo. In the Middle Ages, some sections were even turned into prisons.

From the 11th century onward, new buildings rose above the Roman ruins — including the tower houses of the Foraboschi and Manieri families, and the residence of the Bellialberti, later the seat of the city’s Executioner. All of these were eventually incorporated into the evolving Palazzo Vecchio, whose construction began at the end of the 13th century.

The reopening follows a long closure caused first by the COVID-19 pandemic and then by safety and fire-prevention works. City cultural councillor Giovanni Bettarini said the return of visits makes accessible “an invaluable heritage that tells the ancient story of Florence’s origins.”

🎄 Support Florence Daily News this holiday season

If you value our work, please consider supporting Florence Daily News this Christmas.
We’re an independent news site — free from paywalls and intrusive ads — committed to offering clear and reliable reporting on Florence and Tuscany for everyone.

Your contribution helps us remain independent and continue telling the stories that matter.
As a small thank-you, supporters this holiday season will receive an original photograph of Florence — a simple, meaningful gift to celebrate the city we all love.

🎁 Donate securely via Stripe below and make your gift count for good journalism in Tuscany.