Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Palazzo Pitti
6
The Palazzo Pitti, begun in 1457, was
originally built for the banker Luca Pitti. Its
huge scale was developed into its actual
shape by the Medici, who one century later
bought the palazzo when building costs
bankrupted Pitti's heirs. In 1550 it became
the main Medici residence and subsequently
all Florentine rulers lived here. Today the
richly decorated rooms exhibit treasures
from the Medici collections
(see pp122-3)
and the Habsburg-Lorraine court.
Inner Courtyard
Ammannati designed the courtyard in
1560-70. The Artichoke Fountain by
Francesco Susini (1641) was topped by
a bronze artichoke, since lost.
The Boboli Gardens
were
laid out where stone had
been quarried to build the
Palazzo Pitti
(see pp124-5).
.
Palatine Gallery
The gallery contains many
masterpieces, among which is
the highest concentration of
Raphael's paintings.
The side wings
were
added in 1828 by the
Dukes of Lorraine,
who ruled the city
after the Medici.
Frescoes by
Pietro
da Cortona (1641-5)
cover the ceilings in
the Palatine Gallery.
Brunelleschi
is thought to
have designed the façade
of the palazzo, which was
later extended to three
times its original length.
.
Museo degli Argenti
As well as silverware,
the museum displays
gold, stone and glass-
ware. This view of
Piazza della Signoria
(see pp76-7)
is made
of precious stones.
STAR FEATURES
.
Palatine Gallery
. Museo degli Argenti
