What is the Hall of Geographical Maps in Florence?

The Sala delle Carte Geografiche is a stunning room located on the second floor of Palazzo Vecchio, designed by Giorgio Vasari, that houses 54 hand-painted Renaissance maps created by Egnazio Danti and Stefano Buonsignori. Originally used by Cosimo I to store family treasures, it's now one of the most important attractions within Florence's most significant civic palace.

Who designed the Hall of Maps and what makes it special?

The incomparable Giorgio Vasari designed this remarkable room, which features not only 54 Renaissance maps but also 237 portraits of Renaissance luminaries and an enormous Mapa Mundi terrestrial globe. The globe was originally designed to spin at the slightest touch, demonstrating the sophisticated craftsmanship of the Renaissance period.

What can you see in the Medici Hall of Maps?

Visitors can admire 54 hand-painted geographical maps by master cartographers Egnazio Danti and Stefano Buonsignori, view 237 portraits of Renaissance notable figures, and observe the impressive terrestrial globe (Mapa Mundi) that once rotated with minimal effort. The room itself is an architectural masterpiece decorated by Vasari with incredible Renaissance details.

How do I access the Hall of Geographical Maps in Palazzo Vecchio?

The Sala delle Carte Geografiche is located on the second floor of Palazzo Vecchio, Florence's main civic palace in the city center. You'll need to purchase a ticket to enter Palazzo Vecchio and then navigate to the second floor where this treasured room awaits discovery.

Why was the Hall of Maps originally created by Cosimo I?

Cosimo I originally commissioned this space as a private repository to keep all the valuables and treasures of the Medici family, transforming it into a room that reflected both wealth and the Renaissance fascination with geographical knowledge. Over time, it became one of the most important rooms within Palazzo Vecchio, showcasing the family's power and sophisticated taste.

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Historical Sites 📍 Firenze, Italy 204 views

Medici Hall of Maps

Photo · Carla R.

Medici Hall of Maps — Firenze, Italy.

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Firenze

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About Medici Hall of Maps

Medici Hall of Maps - Firenze | Secret World Trip Planner

The most important civic palace of Florence, Palazzo Vecchio, is home to magnificent treasures, including the Hall of Geographical Maps, or Sala delle Carte Geografiche, located on the second floor of the building, a place where Cosimo I used to keep all the goods of the family. A room designed by the incomparable Giorgio Vasari containing 54 hand-painted Renaissance maps by Egnazio Danti and Stefano Buonsignori, 237 portraits of Renaissance luminaries, and an enormous terrestrial globe (Mapa Mundi) that, in Danti's original design, began spinning at the slightest touch.