Palazzo Medici Riccardi
About
Palazzo Medici Riccardi is Florence’s first Renaissance palace, built between 1444 and 1484 for Cosimo de Medici. Its austere rusticated façade—now a masterpiece of Michelozzo di Bartolomeo’s design—hints at the modesty of its early occupants, while the richly decorated interior, filled with frescoes by masters such as Benozzo Gozzoli and Luca Giordano, showcases the artistic grandeur of the Medici house. Today the palace serves as a public museum that offers visitors a rare glimpse into the life and culture of one of Europe’s most influential families. The ground‑floor gallery houses a celebrated series of frescoes, including the famous “Magi Chapel” panels, and is complemented by the palace’s iconic “kneeling windows” that marked a departure from typical Florentine window forms. The elegant courtyard and grand staircase provide a striking backdrop for the museum’s collections, which span architecture, religious art, and secular life in fifteenth‑century Florence.
Highlights
- Magi Chapel
- Benozzo Gozzoli Frescoes
- Kneeling Windows
- Michelozzo Architecture
Must-See Areas
Good to Know
Good for
Best time to visit
Spring (April‑June) and early autumn (September‑October) offer mild weather and fewer crowds for a relaxed visit
At a glance
- Typical visit: about 3 hours