Palazzo Pitti is one of Florence's largest historic palaces, situated on the south bank of the Arno River in the Oltrarno district. Originally commissioned by banker Luca Pitti in 1458, the palace later became the principal residence of the Medici family and subsequently the House of Savoy. Today it functions as a major museum complex managed by the Uffizi Galleries.
What Visitors Can See
The palace contains several distinct museums and collections across approximately 140 rooms. Visitors can explore a range of exhibits covering art, fashion, and decorative arts.
Main Collections
- Palatine Gallery — holds works by Raphael, Titian, and Rubens
- Royal Apartments — preserved Savoy-era interiors
- Gallery of Modern Art — Italian works from the 18th to 20th centuries
- Boboli Gardens — a giardino all'italiana covering 4.5 hectares
- Costume Gallery — over 6,000 items of clothing and accessories
Practical Information
Opening Hours
The palace is open Tuesday through Sunday. It is closed on Mondays, 1 January, and 25 December.
Seasonal Hours
| Season | Hours |
|---|---|
| November – February | 08:15 – 16:30 |
| March – October | 08:15 – 18:30 |
Ticket Prices
| Visitor Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Full adult | €16 |
| Reduced (ages 18–25, EU) | €2 |
| Under 18 | Free |
Booking
Advance booking is recommended, particularly between April and October when visitor numbers are highest. Tickets can be reserved through the official Uffizi Galleries website.
The Palatine Gallery alone contains over 500 paintings displayed in their original Medici-era arrangement rather than in chronological order.
Getting There
Directions from the city centre
- Cross the Ponte Vecchio heading south
- Walk along Via Guicciardini for approximately 500 metres
- The palace entrance is located in Piazza de' Pitti
Note on accessibility
The palace has partial wheelchair access. Visitors with mobility requirements are advised to contact the venue directly before their visit.
Photo by Gotta Be Worth It on Pexels
