In Via della Ninna, on the right side of Palazzo Vecchio, there is a small secondary door. This opening has a history linked to a deeply hated figure: the Duke of Athens, Walter VI of Brienne.
In 1342, the Duke was called to govern Florence, but he quickly revealed himself to be a cruel tyrant. Knowing he was detested by the citizens and fearing an uprising, he decided to build a secret escape route inside the palace.
The Duke was right to be worried. After only ten months of rule, the Florentine people rebelled violently. On July 26, 1343, the citizens rose up to drive out the tyrant. Thanks to this hidden little door, the Duke managed to escape under the cover of night, avoiding the furious crowd and leaving the city forever. Even today, that door serves as a reminder of the inglorious end of his power.
