Prison of Cosme the Elder and Savonarola in the Arnolfo Tower of Palazzo Vecchio in Florence

Prison Tower of Palazzo Vecchio “L'alberghettino”, the small hotel, is the friendly name given to the cell located in the Arnolfo Tower.

This cell views the Arno River, not on the Piazza della Signoria as can be seen in most movies and television series, but a cell still more than austere.

The room has a high and vaulted ceiling, with rough stone walls and a large window.

However, during the winter, no chimney or way to heat it at first glance.

Cosimo the Elder of Medici (Cosimo the Old), the “Pater Patriae”, the “Father of the Fatherland” was locked there from 7 September to 3 October 1433 before being condemned to exile.

He had been suspected of leading Florence, which he did indirectly after his triumphant return from exile.

Sixty-five years later, Savonarola was locked in there longer than Cosimo the Elder, from 8 April to 23 May 1498.

And he left his prison only to be executed at stake in Piazza della Signoria, in front of the Palazzo Vecchio.

Prison Tower of Palazzo Vecchio

Staircase