Palazzo Pitti

Overview

Palazzo Pitti is a colossal Renaissance palace on the Oltrarno, serving as the Medici's primary residence from 1549. It houses five museums—including the Palatine Gallery with its Raphael and Titian masterpieces—and connects to the Boboli Gardens behind.

Highlights

• Palatine Gallery: Raphael's 'Madonna of the Chair' and 11 Titian paintings in opulently frescoed Baroque rooms.
• Royal Apartments: 14 lavish state rooms furnished as the Italian royal family left them in 1919.
• Costume Gallery: Fashion history from the 18th century to the present.

History

Started in 1458 by banker Luca Pitti, the palace was bought by Eleonora di Toledo (Cosimo I's wife) in 1549. Each subsequent dynasty—Medici, Lorraine, Savoy—expanded it.

Visitor Tips

• Combined ticket: Pitti + Boboli Gardens for €22; valid 3 days.
• Less crowded than Uffizi: The Palatine Gallery offers Renaissance masterpieces with shorter queues.
• Duration: 2–3 hours.