historic palaces in florence

Historical palaces to visit in Florence

Some of the most unique and interesting historical buildings in Florence.

There’s much more beyond Palazzo Vecchio and Palazzo Pitti! There’s an endless number of extraordinary historic buildings to visit in Florence. Unfortunately, not all are open to the public. however, one of the most interesting things to do while walking through the city is admire the facades of the numerous historic buildings - a cultural pastime that is worth undertaking.

Palazzo Medici Riccardi

After Eleonora da Toledo and Cosimo I de 'Medici got married, they moved to what was then the most important family palace in Florence: Palazzo Medici Riccardi, designed by Michelozzo. The inside saw artists such as Donatello, Michelangelo, Paolo Uccello, Benozzo Gozzoli and Botticelli pass through. Today, the basement houses an archaeological itinerary and the Museum of Marble. On the ground floor, you’ll find the Cortile di Michelozzo, the Medici garden, and the space dedicated to temporary exhibitions. The first floor is home to the Chapel of the Magi and the Luca Giordano Gallery.

Hours: 9am to 7pm daily, closed on Wednesdays

Palazzo di Parte Guelfa

Just a few steps from Piazza della Repubblica, you can catch a truly unique glimpse of one of the oldest and most historically rich palaces in Florence. It was formerly the seat of the so-called "Guelph party" in the years when the city was divided between the Guelphs and Ghibellines. Palazzo di Parte Guelfa is also home to the Florentine Historical Football organization and the Historical Parade of the Florentine Republic association. There are four rooms inside, including the Sala Brunelleschi, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi.

Hours: the palace is not open to the public on a daily basis, but its exterior can be admired. Its adjacent library is open to the public.

Palazzo del Bargello

The Bargello National Museum is housed in the historic Palazzo del Podestà in Florence. In 1865, Palazzo del Bargello became the first National Museum dedicated to the arts of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. On the ground floor, you can admire the iconic courtyard and the Sala di Michelangelo with sculptures by Buonarroti, Cellini, Giambologna, and Ammannati; on the first floor, the famous Sala di Donatello exhibits his bronze David.

Hours: 8.15am - 1.50pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Closed on Tuesdays, and the second and fourth Sundays of the month.

Palazzo Corsini

The sumptuous 17th century palace is one of the very few examples of late-Baroque style in Florence. The roof of Palazzo Corsini is surmounted by statues and terracotta vases, with a main U-shaped courtyard that opens towards the Lungarno. The palace can be visited by appointment from Monday to Friday. Visits last about an hour and a half, during which visitors can immerse themselves among the building’s many beauties, and admire the terrace overlooking the Lungarno with its fascinating and unique view.

Photo header credits: https://www.bargellomusei.beniculturali.it/