PALAZZO MEDICI, Building

Hi, I'm James, your personal guide. Together with MyWoWo, I'd like to welcome you to one of the wonders of the world.

Today I'll accompany you through Palazzo Medici Riccardi, which is one of the most fascinating places in Florence!

In this 15th-century monument located between the ancient via Larga (via Cavour today) and Piazza del Duomo, or Cathedral Square, you can still feel the presence of the family's great members. The palace is near two churches that the Medici family had close bonds with: San Lorenzo, which is their burial site, and the convent of San Marco. 

Palazzo Medici Riccardi began construction in the first half of the 15th century and was the fundamental model for the aristocratic palaces of 1400s: other families, such as the Pitti, Strozzi and Rucellai families had their palaces built while constantly comparing them with this prestigious example. Its name also comes from the Riccardi family, who bought it in the sixteenth century and made many Baroque modifications to the palace, including an important library. It was then bought in the 1800s by the Lorena family. Today you can visit part of the palace, while the rest is used for public offices....