26€ each, not included in the price of the tour.
Palazzo Pitti, boasting three floors adorned with paintings, statues, opulent furniture, and precious art objects, stands as Florence’s largest historic building. Would you dare to visit it on your own? Ways better with the assistance of your private expert: our Palazzo Pitti private guided tour ensures a two-and-a-half-hour exploration that delves into the mesmerizing interiors without being daunting. Highlights include visits to the Palatine Gallery, the Treasury of the Grand Dukes, and the Royal Chapel. Discover that more than just the protagonists of Renaissance Florence inhabited the Pitti Palace. Beyond the Medici, it became home to the Habsburg-Lorraine and later the Savoy family. This guided tour is a journey through Italy’s history from the 15th to the 20th centuries, a transition from the Renaissance to Modern times, providing insights into the lifestyles of aristocratic families in Florence’s past. After visiting the Palace, enjoy time on your own to immerse yourself in the Boboli Garden, Florence’s most famous green paradise.
In 1550, when Cosimo I and his wife Eleonora di Toledo acquired the Pitti Palace, they were at the zenith of their political influence. Cosimo, the Duke of Florence, and his wife, with their large family, decided to relocate from the old Palace in Piazza della Signoria to a more suitable area: the opposite side of the Arno River. The expansion and refinement of Palazzo Pitti were necessary to match the Medici’s elevated status, proving to be a wise decision. Curious about the results? Embark on your private visit!
Approximately 500 paintings grace the palace’s rooms, adorned with stuccos, gilded wooden frames, and frescoes. In this lavish setting, your guide will highlight the masterpieces within the collection.
Amidst numerous works by Titian, Rubens and Botticelli, your guide ensures you don’t overlook Caravaggio‘s striking Sleeping Cupid.
Throughout the visit, delve into the extraordinary tale of Artemisia Gentileschi, the prominent and independent female artist of the 17th century. The contribution of women to the arts, hidden within Palazzo Pitti, will be revealed by your private guide.
Each room in Palazzo Pitti is a reflection of its owner’s taste and the prevailing trends of the time. Beyond its majestic façade, this building was initially designed to accommodate Cosimo I and Eleonor of Toledo and their ten children. Explore private apartments filled with art and ponder how the immense rooms were heated in winter. During the Palazzo Pitti private guided tour, traverse the vast corridors and inquire about how the kitchen for such a large family was or the location of restrooms—details often absent from art history books. Let your guide share the behind-the-scenes stories!!
The Boboli Garden, a Renaissance treasure almost concealed behind Palazzo Pitti offers an unforgettable experience with lush pathways, ancient statues, and majestic fountains. This Italian-style garden, adorned with exotic plants and centuries-old trees, invites exploration. Get lost in hidden paths, discover secret corners, and relish the splendid panorama of Florence from the heights of the Boboli Gardens.
The tale of the palace doesn’t end with the decline of the Medici family.
Following the Medici era, Palazzo Pitti became the residence of the Habsburg-Lorraine family, rulers of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany until Italy’s unification. In 1865, when Florence became the capital of the new Italian nation, King Vittorio Emanuele II resided here with his court. Each occupant left a distinct mark on these rooms. Allow your expert guide to unfold the rich history!
Floe – Florence Local Experts
Via Laura, 38 – 50121 Florence (IT)
