The Pitti Palace (Palazzo Pitti) is a historic palace located in Florence, Italy, and is considered one of the most magnificent structures of the Renaissance period. It was originally commissioned in the 15th century by the wealthy banker Luca Pitti, but was later purchased in 1549 by the Medici family, becoming their main residence in Florence. After the Medici, the palace was also used by the House of Lorraine and the Royal Family of Italy. Therefore, the Pitti Palace has been not only an architectural structure but also a center of political and cultural power for centuries.
Today, the Pitti Palace has been transformed into a large museum complex housing many important museums and art galleries. The main sections of the palace include the Palatine Gallery (Palatina Galleria), the Gallery of Modern Art, the Costume and Fashion Museum, the Silver Museum, and the Porcelain Museum. In addition, the Boboli Gardens, located behind the palace, are among the most impressive examples of Renaissance garden design. The Pitti Palace is one of the most important stops in Florence for visitors interested in both art and history.
Where is the Pitti Palace located?
The Pitti Palace (Palazzo Pitti) is located in the historic center of Florence (Firenze), in the Tuscany region of Italy, on the southern bank of the Arno River. Situated on one of the city’s most famous squares, Piazza de’ Pitti, the palace is within easy walking distance from the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge). Thanks to its location, the palace is closely surrounded by many of Florence’s major tourist attractions.
The palace is located in the Oltrarno district (the other side of the river) of Florence, an area known for its strong presence of art, craftsmanship, and traditional lifestyle. Visitors can reach the Pitti Palace within a few minutes on foot from the historic city center. Additionally, the Boboli Gardens, located directly behind the palace, are one of the natural beauties that enhance the appeal of this historic structure.
Who built the Pitti Palace and when was it constructed?
The Pitti Palace was commissioned in 1458 by Luca Pitti, a wealthy merchant and banker from Florence. Luca Pitti wanted to build a residence grand enough to rival that of the Medici family. For this purpose, he had the design of the palace made by Luca Fancelli, a student of Filippo Brunelleschi, one of the leading architects of the time.
However, due to the decline in Luca Pitti’s financial situation over time, the construction could not be completed, and the palace changed hands over the years. In 1549, the Medici family purchased the palace and turned it into their main residence in Florence. With the contributions of the Medici, the palace was expanded, enriched, and transformed into the magnificent structure we know today.
How much is the entrance fee to the Pitti Palace?
As of 2025, the entrance fees to the Pitti Palace vary depending on the type of visit and the ticket package. Below are the current ticket options and prices:
🎟️ Standard Admission Ticket
- Price: Approximately €16
- Includes: Access to the Palatine Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art within the Pitti Palace.
🌿 Combined Ticket: Pitti Palace + Boboli Gardens
- Price: Approximately €25
- Includes: Admission to the Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens, and Bardini Gardens.
🖼️ 5-Day Combined Ticket: Uffizi Gallery + Pitti Palace + Boboli Gardens
- Price: Approximately €59
- Includes: Access to the Uffizi Gallery, Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens, Bardini Gardens, and several other museums for five days.
🎟️ Discounted and Free Entry
- Discounted Tickets: Available for European Union citizens aged 18–25.
- Free Entry: Offered on the first Sunday of each month and on March 8 (International Women’s Day) for female visitors.
Which museums are located in the Pitti Palace?
The Pitti Palace is one of the largest museum complexes in Florence and houses several important museums. Here are the main museums located within the palace:
Palatine Gallery (Galleria Palatina)
Houses the private collections of the Medici family. Features works by masters such as Raphael, Titian, Rubens, and Caravaggio.
Gallery of Modern Art (Galleria d’Arte Moderna)
Contains paintings and sculptures from Italian art dating from the 18th century to the early 20th century.
Museum of Costume and Fashion (Museo della Moda e del Costume)
The most comprehensive fashion museum in Italy. Exhibits historical garments, stage costumes, and accessories.
Silver Museum (Museo degli Argenti)
Displays Medici treasures, precious stones, and decorative art objects.
Porcelain Museum (Museo delle Porcellane)
Features a collection of elegant porcelain pieces from European royal courts.
Gallery of the Caryatids and Royal Apartments (Appartamenti Reali)
Visitors can explore the luxurious living quarters of the Medici and Savoy dynasties.
Which artworks can be seen inside the Pitti Palace?
The Pitti Palace, especially through the Palatine Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art, hosts some of the most significant artworks from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Here are some of the main works of art you can see inside the Pitti Palace:
🎨 Works to See in the Palatine Gallery:
Raphael – Madonna della Seggiola
One of Raphael’s most beloved depictions of the Madonna.
Titian – La Bella
A refined example of 16th-century Venetian portraiture.
Caravaggio – Sleeping Cupid
A symbolic work noted for the artist’s dramatic use of light and shadow.
Rubens – Consequences of War
A powerful allegory presented in the dramatic style of the Baroque period.
The collection also includes paintings by artists such as Andrea del Sarto, Pietro da Cortona, and Salvator Rosa.
🖌️ Works to See in the Gallery of Modern Art:
Giovanni Fattori – Military Scene
One of the key works of Fattori, a leading figure of the Italian Macchiaioli movement.
Still lifes and landscapes by 19th-century Italian painters such as Silvestro Lega, Telemaco Signorini, and Giuseppe Abbati.
What are the architectural features of the Pitti Palace?
The architecture of the Pitti Palace is a significant example that combines the classical simplicity of the Renaissance period with a grand and impressive appearance. The palace was originally designed in 1458 by Luca Fancelli, a student of Filippo Brunelleschi. While its initial form was quite simple and single-storied, it was expanded in the following centuries—especially during the Medici era—and gained its current monumental look.
One of the most striking architectural features of the palace is its rusticated stone facade. The exterior is covered with large, regularly aligned, roughly cut stone blocks. This gives the structure both solidity and a strong visual presence. In addition, the large arched windows and the symmetrically designed facade reflect the Renaissance sense of balance and proportion. The interior of the palace features grand courtyards, high-ceilinged halls, walls adorned with frescoes, and elegant staircases. Furthermore, the Boboli Gardens located behind the Pitti Palace are a perfect example of Renaissance garden design and complete the architectural unity of the palace.
What is the connection between the Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens?
The connection between the Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens is strong in terms of history, architecture, and function. The Boboli Gardens open directly from the rear facade of the Pitti Palace and are therefore considered an integral part of it. The gardens were designed in the 16th century at the request of the Medici family after they moved into the palace, and over time became one of the most impressive examples of Renaissance garden architecture.
The Medici family arranged the Boboli Gardens to serve as a private area for rest and entertainment behind the palace. Over time, the gardens transformed into a vast cultural and artistic space, enriched with open-air theaters, sculptures, fountains, and artificial grottoes—not just a simple landscape design. Today, visitors can continue their historical journey directly into the Boboli Gardens after touring the Pitti Palace. Together, the two sites illustrate the unity of palace life in Florence through both interior spaces and nature.
How long does it take to tour the Pitti Palace?
The amount of time you should set aside to visit the Pitti Palace can vary depending on your interests and which sections you wish to see. In general, it is recommended to allocate at least 2 to 3 hours to tour the museums and galleries inside the palace. If you also plan to visit the Boboli Gardens, setting aside a total of 4 to 5 hours would be more appropriate.
Suggested Visit Durations:
- Palatine Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art: If you’re interested in artworks, it’s beneficial to spend 2 to 3 hours exploring these galleries in detail.
- Boboli Gardens: To enjoy a pleasant walk and take in the views, 1 to 2 hours should be sufficient.
Costume and Fashion Museum, Silver Museum, Porcelain Museum: If you prefer a quicker visit, spending 30 to 45 minutes at each of these museums will be enough.
Is the Pitti Palace on the UNESCO World Heritage List?
Yes, the Pitti Palace (Palazzo Pitti) is included in the Historic Centre of Florence, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. This historic center encompasses significant buildings that represent Florence’s extraordinary artistic and architectural heritage from the Renaissance period. The Pitti Palace is recognized as part of this heritage.
The Historic Centre of Florence, with landmarks such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Uffizi Gallery, the Ponte Vecchio, and the Pitti Palace, holds a special place in world cultural heritage as the birthplace and center of the Renaissance. This area has had a major influence on architecture and fine arts both in Europe and around the world.
Therefore, visiting the Pitti Palace is not only about seeing an impressive palace but also about experiencing a world heritage site protected by UNESCO.
How do you get to the Pitti Palace, and what are its visiting hours?
The Pitti Palace (Palazzo Pitti) is located in the Oltrarno district of Florence, on the southern bank of the Arno River. The palace is situated at Piazza de’ Pitti, 1, and can be reached with a short walk after crossing the Ponte Vecchio.
🕒 Visiting Hours
- Open Days: Tuesday – Sunday
- Visiting Hours: 08:15 – 18:50
- Last Entry: 17:30
- Closed Days: Monday, January 1, December 25
🚌 Transportation Information
Public Transport:
- Bus: You can take buses 11, 36, C3, and C4 and get off at the “Pitti” stop.
- Tram: Use line T1 and get off at the “Unità” stop, then walk a short distance to the palace.
- Train: From Florence Santa Maria Novella Train Station, it’s about a 20-minute walk.
On Foot:
- From the city center, you can walk to the palace in about 10 minutes by crossing the Ponte Vecchio.
By Car:
Car use is restricted in the historic city center. However, there are paid parking options nearby:
- Garage Lungarno (350 m)
- Garage delle Terme (650 m)
- Porta Romana Parking (850 m)
- Oltrarno Parking (1 km)