Palazzo Medici Riccardi
First palace of the powerful Medici family, showcasing Renaissance art and architecture, including the stunning Magi Chapel.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Palazzo Medici Riccardi
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
First palace of the powerful Medici family, showcasing Renaissance art and architecture, including the stunning Magi Chapel.
"A stunning glimpse into Renaissance power and elegance, each room feels like walking through living history."
🎯 Guided Tour Recommended
Enhance your visit with a guided tour for rich historical context and anecdotes.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time by purchasing tickets in advance, especially for special events.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Magi Chapel
Inside Palazzo Medici Riccardi
Walls adorned with vibrant frescoes by Benozzo Gozzoli depicting the Journey of the Magi and Tuscan landscapes.
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Luca Giordano Hall
Inside Palazzo Medici Riccardi
A spectacular gallery featuring majestic frescoes covering the entire vaulted ceiling, showcasing theatrical splendor.
Inner Courtyard
Entrance of Palazzo Medici Riccardi
A peaceful and grand courtyard offering a serene escape and a glimpse into the palace's architectural beauty.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for a Serene Experience
Immerse Yourself in Medici History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Guided Tour Recommended
Enhance your visit with a guided tour for rich historical context and anecdotes.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time by purchasing tickets in advance, especially for special events.
🎒 Bag Storage Available
Utilize the convenient lockers to store your belongings and explore freely.
🏛️ Explore the Magi Chapel
Don't miss the stunning frescoes by Benozzo Gozzoli in this intimate chapel.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Guided Tour Recommended
Enhance your visit with a guided tour for rich historical context and anecdotes.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time by purchasing tickets in advance, especially for special events.
🎒 Bag Storage Available
Utilize the convenient lockers to store your belongings and explore freely.
🏛️ Explore the Magi Chapel
Don't miss the stunning frescoes by Benozzo Gozzoli in this intimate chapel.
✨ Admire Luca Giordano Hall
Be mesmerized by the expansive frescoes covering the ceiling of this grand hall.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Palazzo Medici Riccardi for its stunning art, particularly the Magi Chapel frescoes and the Luca Giordano Hall. The palace offers a peaceful and historically rich experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the Renaissance era. While some find an hour sufficient, others appreciate the opportunity to delve deeper into its artistic and architectural grandeur.
"I had the opportunity to visit the Medici Palace in Florence and it is definitely a place worth seeing. I chose a guided tour and truly recommend it – thanks to that we learned many interesting stories and anecdotes about the Medici family and life in Renaissance Florence.
The palace itself is truly impressive – both with its architecture and the richness of its interiors. It hides many fascinating objects, and the atmosphere takes you back to the city’s golden age. An absolute must-see for anyone visiting Florence."
Kamil Osiecki
"Very much enjoyed this place. Was quiet and really got to savour and experience old Florence, but with all the modern convenience.
Staff were very friendly and helpful.
Beautiful courtyard as you go in
Useful locker to leave your bag and enjoy your stay more... (Ufizzi Take note!!)
Inner courtyard is lovely too and there is a little garden outside with some wonderful ancient wisteria.
Spent an hour there, which is enough but took plenty in. You can stay longer if you want to go into detail but the general vibe is artistic, stately and beautiful."
Chris Who
"This is truly a must-see place. While many museums in Florence have long lines, it was surprising to find this one so quiet. Being in a place where one of the most important families in the city — and perhaps in history — once lived (even with restorations) gives you a priceless feeling."
Ibrahim Avcı
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Palazzo Medici Riccardi is centrally located at Via Cavour, 3, Florence. It's easily accessible by foot from most major attractions in the historic center. Several bus lines also stop nearby.
Yes, it's very close to the Duomo and the Accademia Gallery, making it easy to combine with other sightseeing.
The palace is generally open daily from 9 am to 7 pm, but it's closed on Wednesdays. It's always a good idea to check the official website for any last-minute changes.
Photography is generally allowed inside, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the artwork. Always check for specific signage.
While the historic nature of the building presents some challenges, efforts have been made to improve accessibility. It's advisable to contact the palace directly for specific information regarding accessibility for your needs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices typically range from €15.00 for adults, with reduced rates for those aged 18-25 (€10.00). Children under 17 often get in for free.
Yes, you can purchase tickets online in advance, which may include a small pre-sale fee of €1.50. This is recommended to secure your entry time.
A standard ticket usually grants access to the Magi Chapel, the Luca Giordano Gallery, the museum rooms, and any temporary exhibitions.
While not always advertised, some special events or collaborations might offer free entry, especially for specific talks or exhibitions. Check for announcements regarding events with Museo de' Medici.
Yes, when purchasing tickets, you typically select a specific date and time slot for your visit to manage visitor flow.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The Magi Chapel with its stunning frescoes, the Luca Giordano Hall, and the beautiful inner courtyard are absolute highlights.
Absolutely! It's a treasure trove of Renaissance art, featuring works by renowned artists and showcasing the Medici family's patronage.
A typical visit can take about an hour to see the main highlights, but you could easily spend longer if you want to delve deeper into the details.
Yes, guided tours are highly recommended as they provide valuable insights into the history and art of the palace.
Visitors describe it as artistic, stately, beautiful, and a place that transports you back to Renaissance Florence. It offers a quiet and savored experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, you can generally take photos of the frescoes, but remember to turn off your flash to preserve the delicate artwork.
The inner courtyard, the grand Luca Giordano Hall, and the detailed frescoes of the Magi Chapel offer fantastic photo opportunities.
The facade of Palazzo Medici Riccardi is impressive. You can capture it from the street, but be mindful of traffic and other pedestrians.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or professional shoots might require special permission. Always check current regulations.
A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial, especially for the interior spaces. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the grandeur of the halls.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider opting for a guided tour if your children are old enough to appreciate the stories; it can make the history more engaging. The availability of lockers is a huge plus for parents juggling bags and strollers. Keep in mind that it's a historical palace, so while there are some modern conveniences, the focus is on art and history rather than interactive exhibits.
🏛️ Art & History Enthusiasts
Take your time to absorb the details of the frescoes and the architectural nuances. A guided tour is highly recommended to gain deeper insights into the Medici's patronage and the cultural context of the era. The palace offers a more intimate and less overwhelming experience compared to some of Florence's larger museums, allowing for a more focused appreciation of its treasures.
📸 Photography Buffs
The Luca Giordano Hall provides opportunities for capturing grand, sweeping shots of the ceiling frescoes. The exterior facade is also photogenic. Be prepared for potentially lower light conditions inside, so a camera with good low-light capabilities or a tripod (if permitted) can be beneficial.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Medici Family's Legacy
The palace's architecture itself reflects the evolving styles of the era, blending Gothic and Renaissance elements. Its imposing facade, with rusticated stonework, was groundbreaking for its time. Inside, the Medici family fostered a vibrant cultural environment, commissioning masterpieces and supporting prominent artists like Donatello and Michelangelo. Visiting Palazzo Medici Riccardi offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and understand the profound impact the Medici had on art, culture, and finance.
While the family eventually moved to the Palazzo Pitti, Palazzo Medici Riccardi remains a crucial site for understanding their early dominance and their role in shaping Florence into a cradle of the Renaissance. The palace continues to host cultural events and exhibitions, keeping its legacy alive for contemporary visitors.
Artistic Masterpieces Within
+1Another significant highlight is the Luca Giordano Hall, a testament to Baroque grandeur. Its vaulted ceiling is entirely covered by a magnificent fresco by Luca Giordano, creating a dramatic and theatrical effect. This hall exemplifies the later artistic transformations within the palace, showcasing a different era of opulence and artistic expression.
Beyond these famous spaces, the palace houses a collection of sculptures, paintings, and decorative arts that offer a comprehensive look at the Medici's patronage and the artistic evolution throughout the centuries. Each room tells a story, contributing to the palace's reputation as a living museum of Florentine history and art.
Architectural Significance
The exterior is characterized by its rusticated ashlar masonry, which becomes progressively smoother on the upper floors, creating a sense of lightness and elegance. The prominent cornice, a hallmark of Renaissance design, crowns the building. The interior courtyard, with its graceful arcades and Corinthian columns, provides a serene and harmonious central space, a common feature in Renaissance domestic architecture designed to bring light and air into the building.
While the palace has undergone various modifications and restorations over the centuries, its core architectural principles remain intact. It offers a fascinating study for anyone interested in the evolution of architectural styles and the innovative spirit of the Renaissance period.
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