Location: Pitti
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What to do and see in Pitti, Tuscany: The Best Things to do
Florence is an art historian’s dream. The Galleria dell'Accademia bursts with works by Michelangelo, who is entombed within the frescoed walls of the Basilica di Santa Croce. Budding photographers can snap pics of the Ponte Vecchio bridge, and serious shoppers can spend a blissful afternoon wandering the shops of Piazza Santo Spirito. Tuscan cuisine pays homage to the region’s bounty. Swipe a hunk of crusty bread across a pool of local olive oil and you’ll be instantly transported to your happiest place.
Restaurants in Florence
1. Galleria Palatina in Palazzo Pitti
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,545 reviews
Reviewed By Rowland45 - Iowa City, United States
The Pitti is getting crowded but still much less so than it's brethren on the Uffizi side. The Palatine galleria was established by the Hapsburgs after they became the rulers of Florence using mainly art belonging to the Medici family. Many changes were made to the palace but one thing never changed and that is the grandeur, The Palatine displays more art than one can absorb in one visit. It is really crammed in. There are numerous masterpieces on display among ho-hum pieces. Go drink it in. Try to visit the other parts of the palace too. Unless you have extra time don't bother with the gardens They are large but not particularly attractive..
2. Museo Roberto Capucci
3. Museo Della Moda e del Costume
4. Palazzo Pitti
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,738 reviews
A complex of art museums housing some of the most celebrated treasures in the city..
Reviewed By asiyahnoemik - Pula, Croatia
The palace, which houses several important museums, was built in the second half of the 15th century by project of Filippo Brunelleschi for rich banker Luca Pitti. Pitti's intention was to build a palace that would overshadow Palazzo Medici. However, the building could not really be compared to the size or luxury of the Medici family palace. Luca Pitti died in 1472 and the construction remained unfinished. The architectural significance of this palace lies in its simplicity and strict lines. The stone facade is roughly finished in a rural style. The original building, formed by two floors and the ground floors, with only five windows on each floor, was purchased in 1550 by Eleonora da Toledo, the wife of the Grand Duke Cosimo I de'Medici, thus becoming the official residence of the family. The later rulers of these lineage are upgraded palace and arranged gardens around it (Boboli Park). Most of the upgrades date from the 17th and early 18th centuries. As regards the domestic life inside the palace, it is know that it was the home of several components of the family who were distributed in different private apartments. The rooms on the left wing belonged to the Grand Duke, while those on the right side were used by the heir. The lateral wings housed the apartments of their wives. The rooms on the second floor contained the large library, while the side rooms were used for the children. The left side on the ground floor housed the apartment that the Grand Duke used in summer. An important detail of history is the fact that Anna Maria Luisa de 'Medici (11 August 1667 - 18 February 1743) was the last heiress of the House of Medici. She was the patron of the arts, and she decided to donate the Medici's large and rich collection, including the contentsof the Uffizi, Palazzo Pitti and the Medicean villas which inherited after the death of her brother Gian Gastone in 1737, and her Palatine treasures to the Tuscan State, on the a condition that no part of it could be removed from Florence. During the nineteenth century, the Pitti Palace was used by Napoleon Bonaparte and later was the residence of the King of United Italy. In 1919, the palace, with its rich artistic treasures, was donated to the Italian people by King Vitorio III Emanuel. Today, the palace and the Boboli gardens house the Palatine Gallery, the Silver Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, the Costume Gallery, the Porcelain Museum and the Museum of Carriages. They include works by Titian, Giorgione, Rafael and Rubens, among others.
5. Museo di Storia Naturale - La Specola
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 395 reviews
From 1sr September ‘La Specola’ Museum will close to allow for refurbishment works to be carried out to its historic headquarters. The duration of the works is planned for 18 months. This fascinating natural history collection can be traced back to the Medici family. Full of taxidermied animals of all types, skeletons and wax anatomical models, it is a must for the curious, as well as science and history lovers.
Reviewed By Marziomartel - Rome, Italy
The Natural History Museum of Florence is one of the most fascinating places I've ever seen! Its collection includes a splendid series of anatomical wax models produced by the Florentine wax-making workshop, the oldest in the world, and an amazing collection of animals, insects, minerals, plants and other creatures of land, sea and air, some of which are now extinct! It is really a museum that can entertain adults and children and will let you discover many interesting things. Currently the natural history museum is divided into three locations: “La Specola” with the collections of wax models and animals; “La Pira” which is the botanical garden and “Palazzo Nonfinito” which houses the ethnological and anthropological collection. All three are extraordinary, but if you don't have much time I recommend La Specola! The visit of the ancient ceroplastic collection is only with the guide and there is one every hour! Marzio from Rome
6. Church of Santa Felicita
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 116 reviews
The small church of Santa Felicita was used by the Medici family dukes and holds the Mannerist artist Pontormo's masterpiece, "The Deposition." The unusual colors, exaggerated poses and expressive portraits are an unforgettable theatrical scene..
Reviewed By 130Doug - Kennett Square, United States
We had grabbed a quick meal somewhere nearby and just stumbled onto this place. Absolutely beautiful place that you shouldn't miss. It's a bit brighter in this cathedral than in some others. The smell of incense combined with the frescoes and paintings, and we could have stayed in here longer, but it's a big city that calls to every sense!
7. Giardino Bardini
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,099 reviews
Reviewed By sophiem923 - Ermenonville, France
The garden was recommended by a guide book and it did not disappoint. It is quite simply the most beautiful view on Florence. Definitely worth the climb. I was able to get some fresh air despite the heat. Do not miss this hidden gem!
8. Artemisia Restauro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
At Studio Artemisia in historical center of Florence few steps from Ponte Vecchio can find frescoes, sgraffiti, illuminations, copies of paintings, gildings and frames made on ancient techniques.Artemisia also offers restoration of paintings on canvas and wood, wood sculptures, frescoes, and gilding.Individual and group classes of ancient techniques: fresco, egg tempera, gilding.
9. Tesoro dei Granduchi
10. Pitti Mosaici
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Come to visit us and see how we create wonderful handmade Pietra Dura Inlay Artworks with the same traditional Florentine technique from the Renaissance, also known as the Art of the Medici Family. * Guided tour in our workshop available from Monday to Friday - booking by phone call or email *
Reviewed By Jo_and_Tom - Anna, United States
This was a stop which Luca, our guide with Ciao Tours Vancouver, made. We had seen and heard about micromosaics but didn't understand exactly how they were made. Luca explained how they were made and while in the store/workshop had the opportunity to watch an artisian on a project. Both my wife and I really enjoyed and marvelled at the craftmanship as well as subject matter. Several pieces were landscapes which showed Blue skies with white clouds so very realistic you couldn't tell where the pieces of the individual stone met. Some of the pieces may take 7 or 8 months to make which doesn't include sourcing the stones for the pieces. I would have like to buy one but the 3 x 3 artwork in a frame was 450 Euro's. These artworks are for the ages not one person - passed on to famly.
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