Pitti Palace Travel Guide
Austere Exterior Hides Wonderful Art Collection
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Sat on the south side of the Arno and a short stroll across the Ponte Vecchio from the Piazza della Signoria the Palazzo Pitti is a Renaissance palace that dates from the mid-15th century, the town residence of Florentine banker and close friend of the Medicis, Luca Pitti. Today its ordinary façade hides within it a wonderful art collection.
The building of the Pitti Palace was ordered by the merchant and banker Luca Pitti and was started around 1457 and is largely the work of Brunelleschi. The famous "passageway vasariano" that goes across Ponte Vecchio links that bridge with the Pitti Palace and was built in 1565 at the same time as the beginning of the work on the Boboli Gardens.
The austere exterior is balanced by the Baroqe decoration of the interior, executed by Pietro da Cortona in the 17th and 18th centuries. Behind the palace sit the famous Boboli Gardens with their sculptural masterpieces.
On the death of Gian Gastone de Medici in 1737 the entire art collection of the Medici were decreed to remain the property of the city of Florence, establishing the basis of today’s collection. The palace is now the largest museum complex in Florence.
Attractions in Pitti Palace
The Pitti Palace's galleries comprise of the Palatine Gallery contains more than 500 Renaissance paintings, with work by Raphael, Titian, Correggio, Rubens and Pietro da Cortona. The Royal Apartments are a suite of 14 rooms and as one would expect are lavishly decorated, with many Medici portraits. The Gallery of Modern Art holds work from the later years and was opened in 1928 whilst the Silver Museum contains priceless silver work and cameos as well as work in semi-precious gemstones; it is also famous for the frescoes on its walls. Other galleries include those dedicated to porcelain, costumes and carriages.
The Boboli Gardens should not be missed. Located directly behind the Pitti Palace they are comprised of formal Italian gardens dating from the 16th century, but it is for their sculptural works for which they are known and loved. Grottos and pools, fountains and corridors of clipped hedging serve to showcase some of the country’s finest sculptures; the Boboli Gardens should not be missed.
Activities in Pitti Palace
Allow a long half day, preferably longer, to enjoy the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens.
Relaxing
After exploring the palace take a stroll through the Boboli Gardens and find a quiet spot to take in what you have seen.
Getting Around
On foot.
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