Pitti Palace

This impressive palace was built in 1458 by Brunelleschi, the brilliant architect who designed Florence cathedral’s dome. It was originally Luca Pitti’s residence, a wealthy Florentine banker seeking to rival the Medici ruling dynasty—especially his political opponent, Cosimo de’ Medici. However the powerful family would buy the palace a century later, settle in, and make it their royal residence. Over the next two hundred years, the palace would be extended, renovated, and enhanced. In 1860, it became home to King Victor Emmanuel II. The ultimate symbol of the Italian Renaissance, the palace now houses five museums, including the Palatine Gallery, the Gallery of Modern Art, the Costume Gallery, the Silver Museum, and the Porcelain Museum. You’ll also see the royal apartments and the Boboli Gardens— stunning Italian gardens that inspired many others across Europe. Fountains, sculptures, and grottoes were added over the centuries, making it one of the largest and most beautiful gardens in Italy. When it came to style and power, the Medici family set the bar high. The Pitti Palace is a must-see, with its Floretine architecture, unique museums, and gorgeous gardens!