Palazzo Medici-Riccardi

 
The majestic bulk of the Palazzo Medici, opposite the church of San Lorenzo, bespeaks the power of a ruling dynasty. At the same time its limitation to bare essentials testifies to the wise lack of ostentation of the Medici family at that time. They presided over a democratic-republican community and would never have chosen to behave like city kings.

The palace was built between 1444 and 1464 by Michelozzo for Cosimo the Elder.

Must-see attractions nearby:
All the Medici princes lived and ruled here until Cosimo I (1540) moved into the Palazzo Vecchio. In 1655 it was acquired by the Riccardi family who enlarged it by extending the side of the palace; in 1818 it was bought by the Grand Dukes of Tuscany. Today it houses the Medici Museum (ground floor), the Prefecture (first floor) and the Biblioteca Riccardiana. Its valuable art treasures and furnishings have been severely depleted through being plundered, destroyed or sold off.
Things to See

Read More Biblioteca Riccardiana

Read More Courtyards

Read More Exterior

Read More Galleria di Luca Giordano

Read More Medici Museum

Read More Palace Chapel

Address: Palazzo Medici-Riccardi, Via Cavour 1, I-50100 Florence, Italy
Hours:
9am-7pm; Closed: Wed
Tips: Entrance to the Chapel is limited to a maximum of 8 visitors every 7 minutes.
Transit: Bus: 1, 6, 11, 17.

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