Palazzo Medici Riccardi

Overview

Palazzo Medici Riccardi was the original Medici family residence, built by Michelozzo in 1444 for Cosimo the Elder. Its gem is the Chapel of the Magi—a tiny room entirely covered in Benozzo Gozzoli's luminous frescoes of the Procession of the Magi.

Highlights

• Chapel of the Magi: Gozzoli's 1459–1461 frescoes depict the Magi's procession through Tuscan landscapes, with portraits of the Medici family as participants.
• Courtyard: An elegant arcaded Renaissance courtyard with Medici coats of arms.
• Gallery of Luca Giordano: A Baroque ceiling fresco in the piano nobile.

History

Commissioned by Cosimo de' Medici in 1444, the palace set the template for Florentine Renaissance town houses. The Medici lived here until Cosimo I moved to Palazzo Vecchio in 1540.

Visitor Tips

• Timed entry for chapel: The tiny chapel admits only 8 visitors at a time—book or arrive early.
• Quick visit: The chapel alone takes 15 minutes; the full palace 45 minutes.
• Duration: 30–45 minutes.