Florence
Price €64
Min age 0
Rating 4.64 / 5 [194 ratings]
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Florence, Tuscany, Italy
Credit Shutterstock.com/Isogood_patrick
Florence’s most imposing building was once home to the Medici court and later to the Savoy kings. Now this vast former palace houses multiple museums, the largest – and most important – of which is the Palatina Gallery.
The Palatina is laid out in a series of grand rooms on the first floor with fabulous frescoed ceilings under which hang masterworks by the likes of Raphael, Rubens, Botticelli and Van Dyck in elaborate gilded frames.
The other museums include the Treasury of the Grand Dukes, the Gallery of Modern Art and the Museum of Costume and Fashion. A new ground-floor gallery opened in late 2021 housing the oldest collection of Russian icons in Western Europe.
Look out for Raphael’s Madonna of the Grand Duke and Holy Family (his last work) in the Sala di Saturno; paintings by Rubens, Tintoretto and Van Dyke in the Sala di Marte; the magnificent ceilings in the five ‘planet rooms’.
Pair it with a visit to the Boboli Gardens next door. This shady green oasis in the centre of Florence is one of the most beautiful gardens in Italy.
The Pitti Palace lies south of the river, a 20-minute walk from Santa Maria Novella train station. Buses C3 and C4 stop in Piazza Pitti.
To avoid the summer queues, book in advance online or on a guided tour. See our recommendations below.
The entry ticket is also valid for the Gallery of Modern Art (exhibiting mainly Italian works from the late 18th century until WWI). A second ticket is required for the Costume Gallery, the Museum of Porcelain, and the Museum of Silver. Audio guides are available in 6 languages.
The museums are open all year round, Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Monday. To avoid the crowds, visit at lunchtime or just before closing time.
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