This is the first residence of the city ruler, which has come down to us from the time when the Medici dynasty was not yet ruling. During the time of the so-called cryptoseigneury, many respected and wealthy gentlemen, not being official rulers, decided the fate of cities. One of these seniors was Cosimo Medici (the Elder), who soon became the ruler of Florence.
Construction history
The project was originally conceived as a residence for Cosimo de' Medici and his extended family. The author of this project is Filipo Brunelleschi. He even made a special model of the palace to show it to the Duke of Tuscany in all its glory.
The plan was grandiose and exceeded in luxury all the palaces known at that time. But the ruler forced the architect to redo the plan and removed half of the decorations that he thought were unnecessary. He said that luxury would only cause envy and attract unnecessary attention.
Brunelleschi's project was rejected. The architect was so hurt and angry that he even broke the layout of the palazzo so that no one could use his ideas.
The next project of the Palazzo Medici-Riccardi Palace in Florence was presented to the Duke by the architect Michelozzo di Bartolomeo - the favorite of the Duke - in 1444. Mindful of the fate of the previous project, Michelozzo made a laconic and organic layout of the palace which combines luxury and restraint at the same time. The Medici unconditionally accepted the project, and construction began.
Construction lasted almost 20 years.
By the way, all the palaces built after the Palazzo Medici should not have surpassed it in beauty and decoration, otherwise the owner of the building could be accused of arrogance.
Soon the Medici family moved to a larger house near the Palazzo Medici - (1537), and even after a while - to the more spacious Palazzo Pitti. During the reign of Pietro Medici, the family was forced to leave the Medici Palace to escape the mob.
They were able to take only a small part of things with them, the rest was looted. Since then, there has been a period of decline in the family, and it was decided to sell the palace. The fate of the palazzo was decided rather quickly- In 1655, the Medici family sold the palace to the Marquis Gabriello Ricciardi.
After the palace changed hands, it changed significantly- the building was expanded almost twice, and the baroque decoration appeared inside.
This addition only gave the building additional grandeur and entertainment. The interior of the palazzo also changed: features of the Baroque style, which was gaining popularity, began to predominate in it. Furniture and architectural decorations were also designed in this style.. The Mirror Gallery appeared, new frescoes and luxurious gilded bas-reliefs were added.
In 1814, the Palazzo Medici-Ricardi was sold by its owner to the Italian state, and since 1874 the building was transferred to the province, from the same year the prefecture of Florence was located in the premises of the palace.
Dreaming of seeing the Juventus Stadium with your own eyes? you will find many photos and history of the construction of the famous sports complex!
Description of the palace
Outwardly, the Medici-Ricardi Palace is not particularly remarkable - an ordinary rectangular three-tier building in the spirit of the Renaissance.
The first floor is finished with rustic stone and looks rather rough.- but this is the idea: the floor symbolizes the power and inviolability of the power of the Medici. In addition, Cosimo de' Medici was the first to apply rusticated stone trim to residential premises - before that, only public buildings were laid out with rustication. The floor was completely occupied by utility rooms, a kitchen and a stable.
The second floor is lined with smooth slabs, and the second floor was separated from the first floor by a small stone jagged frieze with family heraldry. The entire second floor (piano nobile) is living quarters, apartments of the owners of the palazzo, representative premises: after all, the palazzo was not just a home for the Medici family, but also an official banking house, the headquarters of the Medici financial clan.
The rooms were just huge - after all, the whole family of the banker was accommodated here - and these are two sons with wives and children, servants. Along the entire perimeter of the floor there are arched windows with tympanums - lancet niches (designed by Michelangelo himself).
The decoration of the second floor is amazing: the ceilings are decorated with gilded stucco, the floors are covered with tiles made of rare varieties of marble, the doors and wall elements are inlaid with mosaics made of various expensive woods.
The third floor is lined with marble and is an arched gallery - a loggia, which was located according to the project on the eastern side of the palazzo. Today the loggia is completely bricked up.
The building of the palazzo is crowned by a strongly protruding cornice with a high console. This cornice became a kind of prototype for many Italian buildings built later.
Inside the complex - the same quadrangular patio, framed by arcades. Thanks to the arches and columns in the Corinthian style, the courtyard gives the impression of lightness and elegance. Framing inside almost repeats the finish on the outside.
The first floor, however, is more airy - covered arches give the palace a less heavy look. The first floor gallery is decorated with Medici coats of arms, bas-reliefs and scenes from mythology (by Bertoldo di Giovanni).
Numerous statues are installed in the courtyard, including statues of David by two sculptors - Verrochio and Donatello. There are tubs of lemon trees all over the courtyard., as was customary in many palazzos.
A historical inscription is visible on the southern wall: it glorifies the Medici family and their contribution to the development of the city, and does not ignore Duke Riccardi, who made a significant contribution to the reconstruction of the palace. The inscription was placed in 1715.
Some of the premises of the palace have been preserved almost in the same form as they were in the 17th century. For example, Gallery of mirrors with unforgettable frescoes by Luca Giordano(the hall is also called the Giordano Gallery, after the name of the author). Of course, personal belongings belonging to the Medici or Ricardi families cannot be found here - what survived was transferred to the historical museum.
The most visited place in the palace is the Chapel of the Magi(Cappella dei Magi). A striking attraction of the chapel are the frescoes, among them stands out the fresco "Procession of the Magi to Bethlehem" (works by Benozzo Gozzoli, commissioned by Piero Medici).
The central part of the fresco is located opposite the entrance and depicts the “Adoration” scene, and three walls are the procession of the Magi itself with gifts. In the images of the Magi and kings, one can easily recognize both the owners of the castle and famous historical figures of that time.
Opening hours, ticket prices
Today the palace houses the famous Riccardian Library. It was founded in 1660 by order of Ricardo Ricardi (hence the name). After some time, in 1715 part of the library was opened to the public.
Palazzo Medici Riccardi, formerly the ancestral castle of the Medici family, is the first early Renaissance building erected in Florence. This one is located near the Duomo Square. The palace became an architectural model for similar buildings in the future, turning into a classic. And the history of one of the most famous buildings in Florence has become an inseparable part of the history of the city.
The appearance and style of the palazzo were invented by the architect Michelozzo specifically for the Medici family. Initially, the creation of the project was proposed (Filippo Brunelleschi) . However, the building he invented seemed to the old banker too pretentious and elegant, and he refused his services. Cosimo the Elder believed that a too rich building would cause unnecessary envy. According to historical evidence, Brunelleschi was so offended by the refusal that he smashed the model of the palace offered to the Duke.
The image of the palace proposed by Michelozo di Bartolomeo was, on the contrary, so simple that the Medici unconditionally accepted it. So, at the intersection of the busiest streets of that time, the construction of the first Renaissance mansion began, which lasted for 20 years, starting in 1444. Later, the architects who built houses for bankers tried in no case to surpass Cosimo's house, so that the owner would not be accused of arrogance.
Courtyard
A strict structure in the form of a regular quadrangle hides inside a central courtyard of a regular shape, surrounded by arcades. During his reign, Lorenzo, entering through the archway, could see two "Davids" placed above the atrium at the same time. One was created, and the second - Verrochio. The yard is simply adorable. Getting there, you feel an unusual lightness compared to the crushing power of the facade. Later, such elements of architecture will become mandatory for every aristocratic house.
The inner courtyard is also called the "Courtyard of Michelozzo" or "Courtyard with columns". The architectural solution of the courtyard is very harmonious and creates the effect of symmetry. The first level of the building is made in the form of a covered arched gallery with columns decorated with a frieze with medallions, scenes from mythology made by Bertoldo di Giovani, Medici coats of arms and festoons with monochrome graffito. On the second level there are windows that repeat the outlines of the windows of the external facade. The third level is an arched gallery adorned with Ionic columns. Today it is all sealed up.
On the south side of the courtyard, you can see an inscription located on a stone cartouche of the wall and dated 1715. The inscription glorifies the Palazzo, its history, the greatness of the Medici family, without disregarding the Riccardi family and their contribution to the arrangement of the building. On the walls of the lower floor there are exhibits from the Medici and Riccardi collections. These are various busts, and fragments of reliefs, and entire Roman sarcophagi.
Under the vaults you can see the sculptural composition "Orpheus pacifying Cerberus", created by Baccio Bandinelli in 1515. The exquisite plinth for the statue was made separately by Benedetto di Rovenzzano and decorated with the Medici coats of arms.
The garden laid out in the courtyard also strives for symmetry. The flower beds have a regular geometric shape, and the paths are lined with a mosaic pattern. Previously, bushes and trees were cut in the form of various animals (deer, elephants, dogs). The statue of Judith, created by Donatello and standing in the center, is today on the steps. Instead of trimmed bushes, now there are only a lot of citrus trees in tubs.
Appearance
The façade of the building is so simple that it is a masterpiece of elegance. The cladding of the first floor of the palace is made of hewn rough stone and resembles the wall of a fortress. This style was supposed to symbolize the stability and power of the Medici rule. The second floor of the building, lined with smooth slabs, deserves special mention. Its lancet windows with rounded arches were designed by Michelangelo himself. The upper floor previously served as a loggia on the southeast side. Today it is sealed up.
Along the upper edge of the building, the architect decided to put a strongly protruding cornice with consoles. Such elements have not been used in architecture since antiquity. The second floor is divided with the first cornice with a jagged frieze, and is also decorated with the coat of arms of the Medici family.
Coat of arms of the Medici
The exact meaning of the Medici coat of arms does not exist. However, in one of the historical manuscripts, a legend was found that tells about the connection between the Medici family and Charlemagne. A Medici named Averardo commanded the army of Charlemagne. Once, during the liberation of Tuscany from the Lombards, he met in hand-to-hand combat with the giant Mugelo. The giant wielded a huge club with iron balls, and Averardo only had to defend himself with a shield. These marks on the Medici shield from blows became the coat of arms of the family. And the first lands of the Medici were located in an area called Mugelo.
Alternative versions of the origin of the emblem with 6 balls say that the balls represent pills (the Medici ancestors were doctors) or gold bars (a symbol of wealth) - in the Middle Ages they had a spherical shape.
The ground floor was divided into stables, kitchens and servants' quarters. The second was occupied by the owners' chambers and various representative premises were located. Indeed, according to the initial plan, the palazzo was supposed to serve not only as a family home, but as the headquarters of the Medici bank. And in those days, Cosimo de Medici was considered the most respected of the 80 bankers of Florence.
Interior decoration
Some of the rooms on the ground floor have been preserved almost in the same form as they were in the 17th century. One of these rooms is the Gallery of Mirrors (Giordano Gallery, Giordano Galleria). The vault of the room is decorated with frescoes, which were created by the Neapolitan artist Luca Giordano at the end of the 17th century, commissioned by the Riccardi family. The frescoes depict allegorical figures.
In the central part of the vault is the Medici Triumph on the Clouds of Olympus. In the center of the composition is Jupiter at the top of Olympus. He is surrounded by characters with easily recognizable faces of the Medici family. The main character, at whose feet the lion sits, is the Grand Duke of Tuscany, Cosimo III Medici. On the sides of him, riding white horses, are his sons: on the right - Ferdinando Medici, on the left - Gian Gastone. Below is the Duke's brother, Francesco Maria Medici. Above you can see characters with stars burning above their heads. The stars symbolize the satellites of the planet Jupiter, which were discovered by Galileo and dedicated to the Medici family (lat. Stellae Medicae).
Leaving the Giordano Gallery, you will see the Madonna and Child by Filippo Lippi. The Medici family patronized the Florentine artist, and orders from them came to him throughout his life. It is worth paying tribute to the talent of the artist, because the embodiment of maternal tenderness cannot leave anyone indifferent.
When the troops of the French king Charles VIII occupied Italy in 1494, the province of Florence was under the leadership of Pietro Gino Caponi. The Italians stubbornly refused to surrender to the French. Before the threat of attack, Capponi said: "If you start blowing the trumpets, we will ring the bells." This event took place in the hall, later called the "Karl's Hall", and the phrase got into history.
Having risen to the second floor, do not expect to find something from the personal belongings of the Medici there. Indeed, since the 17th century, the premises have been repeatedly rebuilt and modified. To some, the interior rooms may seem simply huge. But here it is worth remembering that the building was designed for a large Italian family. And this is no less than six or seven sons with wives, as well as numerous children, animals and servants.
Unlike the first floor, the second floor was considered the main one. Its walls are covered with marble, above the head there is a gilded ceiling decorated with stucco decorations, the floor is lined with marble tiles, relief frames are made on the windows and doors, the furniture is inlaid with multi-colored wooden mosaics.
Chapel of the Magi
One of the most famous places in the palace was a small family chapel, called the Chapel of the Magi. A small room consists of two rooms. Once inside, you are breathtaking. There is a feeling that you are in a fairy tale box. The walls are painted, but not in a cycle of frescoes, but rather as a continuous single decoration. Decorated by Benozzo Gozzoli (Italian Benozzo Gozzoli, 1420-1497). It was he who created the famous "Procession of the Magi to Bethlehem." And looking closely, you can easily see that the faces of the Magi strongly resemble the faces of the Medici family.
The procession of the Magi moves slowly. Some old men and young men look at you from the walls, others go about their business and absolutely do not pay any attention to you. The sound of hooves seems to be heard, softly breaking the silence. There is a smell of laurel. Being inside, you briefly fall out of reality. The faces of the people depicted seem both close and distant at the same time. There is a feeling of an ordinary Florentine street. Only the clothes are slightly different.
The walls are completely girded with an endlessly crowded procession led by three wise men. Each of them has its own tuple. The star of Bethlehem that guides them shines straight from the ceiling.
The central place of the chapel is the altar. From the beginning of the 20th century, an altar painting "Nativity" was placed above it, in which Mary worships the baby along with John the Baptist. The image is a copy of the work of Filippo Lippi, made by his student. The original can be seen at the Berlin-Dahlem Gallery.
All senior representatives of the Medici family have lived in this massive structure for several centuries. Until one day, under the reign of Pietro Medici "The Loser", they had to leave their home, fleeing from an angry mob. Everything that was possible, they tried to take away with them. However, most of the treasures were looted. In 1659, after a period of some decline, the Medici sold the palazzo to the Riccardi family.
In addition to the palace itself, the Marquis Gabriello Riccardi became the owner of three nearby buildings, which also belonged to the Medici. Immediately after the purchase, reconstruction began. The palace was expanded from the north side and the interior of the interior was partially renovated. During the restructuring, Riccardi tried to keep the appearance in the Renaissance style. From the inside, the interior was revised towards the Baroque, which was just beginning to come into fashion. The addition of a new style made the building more majestic and spectacular.
In 1814, Riccardi decided to sell the building to the Grand Duke of Tuscany. Since then, the palace has received the name of both former owners of the Medici-Riccardi. In 1874, the mansion was sold to the Province of Florence, which placed the Prefecture of the city on its premises.
Today, some rooms of the palace are also occupied by the Riccardian Library. It was founded by Ricardo Riccardi in 1600. And since 1715 the library was opened to the public. Part of the unoccupied premises is preserved in its original form and is open for viewing by visitors.
Useful information
- Palace address: Via Cavour, 3 (Cavour Street not far from)
- Official site: www.palazzo-medici.it
Working hours
The palace is open for visits daily from 9-00 to 19-00, except Wednesday. On weekends and holidays, the palazzo closes at 18:00.
IMPORTANT: the box office is open from 9-00 to 17-00.
Ticket price
The entrance ticket will cost you 7 euros, for the preferential category (teenagers and military personnel) - 4 euros. People with disabilities can visit Palazzo Medici Riccardi for free with an accompanying person.
IMPORTANT: entrance to the chapel is limited by the number of visitors. No more than 10 people at the same time.
How to get there
If you get to public transport, then buses No. 1,6,11,17 will suit you. If you decide to use your own transport, you can park your car at the Central Market or the railway station located nearby.
Florence is a Tuscan city standing on. It contains great amount various attractions, most of which are palaces, cathedrals and museums. The city became the cradle of Boccaccio and many other famous personalities. It is generally accepted that it was Florence that became the birthplace of the Renaissance in Italy.
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Palazzo Medici Riccardi is the palace of the Medici family in the center of Florence, Italy, located on Via Cavura near the Basilica of San Lorenzo and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.
The project was originally conceived as a residence for Cosimo de' Medici and his extended family. The author of this project is Filipo Brunelleschi. He even made a special model of the palace to show it to the Duke of Tuscany in all its glory.
The project was grandiose and exceeded in luxury all the palaces known at that time. But the ruler forced the architect to redo the plan and removed half of the decorations that he thought were unnecessary. He said that luxury would only cause envy and attract unnecessary attention.
The first secular building of the early Renaissance in the city, it was built by the favorite of Cosimo de' Medici, the architect Michelozzo. At present, the palace houses Riccardin Library
Riccardian Library.
According to historical evidence, Brunelleschi was so offended by the refusal that he smashed the model of the palace proposed to the duke. The image of the palace proposed by Michelozo di Bartolomeo was, on the contrary, so simple that the Medici unconditionally accepted it. So, at the intersection of the busiest streets of that time, the construction of the first Renaissance mansion began, which lasted for 20 years, starting in 1444. Later, the architects who built houses for bankers tried in no case to surpass Cosimo's house, so that the owner would not be accused of arrogance.
Inside the complex - the same quadrangular patio, framed by arcades. Thanks to the arches and columns in the Corinthian style, the courtyard gives the impression of lightness and elegance. Framing inside almost repeats the finish on the outside. The first floor, however, is more airy - covered arches give the palace a less heavy look. The first floor gallery is decorated with Medici coats of arms, bas-reliefs and scenes from mythology (by Bertoldo di Giovanni).
During his reign, Lorenzo, entering through the archway, could see two "Davids" placed above the atrium at the same time. One was created by Donatello, and the second - by Verrochio The courtyard is simply charming. Getting there, you feel an unusual lightness compared to the crushing power of the facade. Later, such elements of architecture will become mandatory for every aristocrat's house. Numerous statues are installed in the courtyard, including statues of David by two sculptors - Verrochio and Donatello. Throughout the courtyard are tubs of lemon trees, as was customary in many palazzos.
The inner courtyard is also called the "Courtyard of Michelozzo" or "Courtyard with columns". The architectural solution of the courtyard is very harmonious and creates the effect of symmetry. On the second level there are windows that repeat the outlines of the windows of the external facade. The third level is an arched gallery adorned with Ionic columns. Today it is all sealed up.
On the south side of the courtyard, you can see an inscription located on a stone cartouche of the wall and dated 1715. The inscription glorifies the Palazzo, its history, the greatness of the Medici family, without disregarding the Riccardi family and their contribution to the arrangement of the building. On the walls of the lower floor there are exhibits from the Medici and Riccardi collections. These are various busts, and fragments of reliefs, and entire Roman sarcophagi. Under the vaults you can see the sculptural composition "Orpheus pacifying Cerberus", created by Baccio Bandinelli in 1515. The exquisite plinth for the statue was made separately by Benedetto di Rovenzzano and decorated with the Medici coats of arms.
.
The garden laid out in the courtyard also strives for symmetry. The flower beds have a regular geometric shape, and the paths are lined with a mosaic pattern. Previously, bushes and trees were cut in the form of various animals (deer, elephants, dogs). The statue of Judith, created by Donatello and standing in the center, is today on the steps of the Palazzo Vecchio. Instead of trimmed bushes, now there are only a lot of citrus trees in tubs.
The façade of the building is so simple that it is a masterpiece of elegance. The cladding of the first floor of the palace is made of hewn rough stone and resembles the wall of a fortress. This style was supposed to symbolize the stability and power of the Medici rule. The second floor of the building, lined with smooth slabs, deserves special mention. Its lancet windows with rounded arches were designed by Michelangelo himself. The upper floor previously served as a loggia on the southeast side. Today it is sealed up.
Along the upper edge of the building, the architect decided to put a strongly protruding cornice with consoles. Such elements have not been used in architecture since antiquity. The second floor is divided with the first cornice with a jagged frieze, and is also decorated with the coat of arms of the Medici family. The exact meaning of the coat of arms does not exist.
However, in one of the historical manuscripts, a legend was found that tells about the connection between the Medici family and Charlemagne. A Medici named Averardo commanded the army of Charlemagne. Once, during the liberation of Tuscany from the Lombards, he met in hand-to-hand combat with the giant Mugelo. The giant wielded a huge club with iron balls, and Averardo only had to defend himself with a shield. These marks on the Medici shield from blows became the coat of arms of the family. And the first lands of the Medici were located in an area called Mugelo.
statue of Orpheus and Cerberus, Baccio Bandinelli (1519)
gallery of famous Florentines
The first floor is decorated with rusticated stone and looks rather rough - but this is the idea: the floor symbolizes the power and inviolability of the Medici power. In addition, Cosimo de Medici was the first to apply rusticated stone trim to living quarters - before that, only public buildings were laid out with rustication. The floor was completely occupied by utility rooms, a kitchen and a stable.
The second floor is lined with smooth slabs, and the second floor was separated from the first floor by a small stone jagged frieze with family heraldry. The entire second floor (piano nobile) is living quarters, apartments of the owners of the palazzo, representative premises: after all, the palazzo was not just a home for the Medici family, but also an official banking house, the headquarters of the Medici financial clan.
And in those days, Cosimo Medici was considered the most respected of the 80 bankers of Florence. The third floor is lined with marble and is an arched gallery - a loggia, which was located according to the project on the eastern side of the palazzo. Today the loggia is completely bricked up.
Biblioteca Riccardiana, Florence, manuscripts
The rooms were simply huge - after all, the whole family of the banker was accommodated here - and these are two sons with wives and children, servants. Along the entire perimeter of the floor there are arched windows with tympanums - lancet niches (designed by Michelangelo himself).
In 1517, the open loggia on the southeast side was bricked up, and windows with tympanums, the creation of which is attributed to Michelangelo, were cut in the walled arches.
The human intellect freed from the deception of ignorance. Luca Giordano
Moreniana Library
The decoration of the second floor is amazing: the ceilings are decorated with gilded stucco, the floors are covered with tiles made of rare varieties of marble, the doors and wall elements are inlaid with mosaics made of various expensive woods.
Charles Hall, which got its name after the occupation of Italy by the French, led by King Charles VIII.
On the second floor, called "piano nobile", there were living quarters of the owners and representative premises. The plastered halls contained bedrooms and pantries. The rooms that are located around the square patio of the palazzo are small in size. The courtyard, where lemon trees grow and sculptures are installed, also repeats the basic idea of a rectangle divided into three tiers. Since that time, courtyards have become mandatory in all aristocratic palaces.
Chapel of the Magi
One of the most famous places in the palace was a small family chapel, called the Chapel of the Magi. A small room consists of two rooms. Once inside, you are breathtaking. There is a feeling that you are in a fairy tale box. The walls are painted, but not in a cycle of frescoes, but rather as a continuous single decoration. The decoration was done by Benozzo Gozzoli (Italian: Benozzo Gozzoli, 1420-1497). It was he who created the famous "Procession of the Magi to Bethlehem." And looking closely, you can easily see that the faces of the Magi strongly resemble the faces of the Medici family.
The central place of the chapel is the altar. From the beginning of the 20th century, an altar painting "Nativity" was placed above it, in which Mary worships the baby along with John the Baptist. The image is a copy of the work of Filippo Lippi, made by his student. The original can be seen at the Berlin-Dahlem Gallery.
Angels bowing to Benozzo Gozzoli
Procession of the Middle King Benozzo Gozzoli
The procession of the Magi moves slowly. Some old men and young men look at you from the walls, others go about their business and absolutely do not pay any attention to you. The sound of hooves seems to be heard, softly breaking the silence. There is a smell of laurel. Being inside, you briefly fall out of reality. The faces of the people depicted seem both close and distant at the same time. There is a feeling of an ordinary Florentine street. Only the clothes are slightly different.
The walls are completely girded with an endlessly crowded procession led by three wise men. Each of them has its own tuple. The star of Bethlehem that guides them shines straight from the ceiling.
Benozzo Gozzoli - Procession of the oldest king (western wall)
The palace was supposed to house both living quarters and the headquarters of the Medici bank. Michelozzo worked on the palazzo for 20 years.
Benozzo Gozzoli - Procession of the Youngest King
On April 17, 1459, the fifteen-year-old Galeazzo Maria Sforza, the future Duke of Milan, visited the palace.
Benozzo Gozzoli - The Vigilance of the Shepherds (detail)
Madonna and Child is the work of the Florentine artist Philip Lippi.
Some of the rooms on the ground floor have been preserved almost in the same form as they were in the 17th century. One of these rooms is the Gallery of Mirrors (Giordano Gallery, Giordano Galleria). The vault of the room is decorated with frescoes, which were created by the Neapolitan artist Luca Giordano at the end of the 17th century, commissioned by the Riccardi family. The frescoes depict allegorical figures.
In the central part of the vault is the Medici Triumph on the Clouds of Olympus. In the center of the composition is Jupiter at the top of Olympus. He is surrounded by characters with easily recognizable faces of the Medici family. The main character, at whose feet the lion sits, is the Grand Duke of Tuscany, Cosimo III Medici. On the sides of him, riding white horses, are his sons: on the right - Ferdinando Medici, on the left - Gian Gastone. 
Below is the Duke's brother, Francesco Maria Medici. Above you can see characters with stars burning above their heads. The stars symbolize the satellites of the planet Jupiter, which were discovered by Galileo and dedicated to the Medici family (lat. Stellae Medicae).
All senior representatives of the Medici family have lived in this massive structure for several centuries. Until one day, under the reign of Pietro Medici "The Loser", they had to leave their home, fleeing from an angry mob. Everything that was possible, they tried to take away with them. However, most of the treasures were looted. In 1659, after a period of some decline, the Medici sold the palazzo to the Riccardi family.
Apotheosis of the Medici family by Luca Giordano
bedroom
Hall of Tapestries
In addition to the palace itself, the Marquis Gabriello Riccardi became the owner of three nearby buildings, which also belonged to the Medici. Immediately after the purchase, reconstruction began. The palace was expanded from the north side and the interior of the interior was partially renovated. During the restructuring, Riccardi tried to keep the appearance in the Renaissance style.
First floor
Luca della robbia, months
From the inside, the interior was revised towards the Baroque, which was just beginning to come into fashion. The addition of a new style made the building more majestic and spectacular. In 1814, Riccardi decided to sell the building to the Grand Duke of Tuscany. Since then, the palace has received the name of both former owners of the Medici-Riccardi.
In 1874, the mansion was sold to the Province of Florence, which placed the Prefecture of the city on its premises.
The history of Italy included many families who lived at different times in Florence. These include the Medici, leading their origin from hereditary healers who gave the name to the family. By the middle of the XIV century, the family rose and became one of the most influential in the city.
Cosimo Medici was the unspoken ruler of Florence and did not seek to stand out from the general mass of the townspeople, he did not dare to build himself a palace for a long time. Finally, Philippe Brunelleschi commissioned the project.
But, having examined the layout of the future building, the Medici decided that it was too luxurious, and abandoned the idea of \u200b\u200bconstruction. Later, he returned to this idea and invited the architect Michelozzo, who proposed a more modest and austere version of the palace.
Story
The exact date of the beginning and completion of the construction of the palace remained unknown, since the Medici account books were not preserved. Of the several dates cited by researchers, the most probable is 1430; most likely, it was then that the construction of the palace began. It was the first civil building in Florence built during the Renaissance.
After the work was completed, the Cosimo Medici family settled in the house, and the palace became the center of culture in Florence: its owner collected art objects and patronized young artists and architects.
In 1659 the building was sold to the Marquis Riccardi. He rebuilt and greatly expanded it. And after 200 years, it became the property of the state, was restored and given over to the museum.
Building exterior
Michelozzo was not a supporter of magnificent forms in architecture. He designed the building in the shape of a cube, which would extend around the area of the courtyard. This project was not carried out to the end, but the building has retained a solid and austere appearance, its foundation is a regular square.
The façade is simple yet elegant. Each floor of the building is separated from the rest by a large cornice. The windows are vaulted, with rounded arches. The first floor is built of rough uncut hewn stone, its appearance resembles a fortress wall and symbolizes stability and prosperity.
The second floor is even and smooth enough, it is decorated with the coat of arms of the Medici family: on it you can see six balls that depict pills, recalling that the Medici ancestors were healers.
The third floor was laid out with perfectly matched slabs. Initially, there was a loggia here, but it was walled up in 1517 and narrow windows with tympanums were pierced in the bricks covering its arches, according to legend, this was Michelangelo's idea.
Patio
It has the shape of a rectangle, it is around the courtyard that all the premises of the building are located. It is surrounded by a light arcade supported by Corinthian columns. The windows that look out here are paired. The walls are decorated with medallions made by the sculptor Bertoldo di Giovanni and bas-reliefs. Scientists have proven that one of the bas-reliefs was made by Michelangelo.
From the patio, a door leads to the garden, where all the trees are trimmed in the form of animals, just like they were trimmed in the Renaissance.
Palace interior
On the ground floor there were service rooms, stables, kitchens and living quarters for servants. The windows on this floor are barred with strong bars. There are no special details and decorations in the interiors. Everything is extremely modest and simple.
The most beautiful rooms are on the second floor. It is here that the palace chapel and ceremonial halls are located, one of them, called the Gallery, was painted by Luca Giordano. There are also apartments for distinguished guests. In one of these rooms lived the French king Charles V during his stay in Florence.
The huge metal legs of the contemporary sculptor Günter Stilling stand all over the second floor, frightening too impressionable visitors. This can be treated differently, but now it is also part of the palace.
The private quarters of the family members were located on the top floor. But the decoration of these rooms also did not differ in splendor.
On the walls of one of the living quarters, a painting by the 14th-century artist Filippo Lippi "Madonna and Child" has been preserved.
The palace is actually divided into three parts: the museum, the library and the prefecture.
Exhibitions are constantly organized inside, tours of the premises of the second floor are held. A chapel is also available for inspection, but only ten visitors are allowed to be there at a time. No more than 7 minutes are given to take a photo and look around. Tourists can also visit the premises of the Riccardian Library as part of an excursion.
Riccardian Library
One of the marquises, Riccardo Riccardi, collected the family library for a long time. Subsequently, it was open to all comers.
The collection contains many valuable books and biblical manuscripts - minuscules. Here is the "Natural History", written in the X century by Pliny, "History of Florence" by Niccolò Machiavelli, the manuscript of "The Divine Comedy" by Dante. Now the book collection belongs to the academy. There is a reading room.
Chapel of the Magi
The palace chapel is located inside the building. It was designed by the architect Michelozzo. The walls of the chapel are decorated with the famous altar fresco "Procession of the Magi" by Benozzo Gozzoli. In the guise of the Magi, it is easy to recognize the owners of the palace. The fresco also depicts statesmen, participants in the Florence Cathedral of 1439.
The figures in the "Procession" are presented against the background of the landscape: green hills, castles towering in the distance, trees, birds fluttering around them. Here the artist also depicted himself and his teacher, Beato Anjilico.
The ceiling of the chapel is decorated with small picturesque details on a blue background. There is a lot of gilding, brown, red and white paints. The plinth bears the symbols of the Medici house. The floor is finished with a mosaic of rare woods.
Location, opening hours and cost
Address: Via Camillo Cavour, 3. 50129 Firenze, Italy.
You can enter the palace on all days except Wednesday, from 9.00 to 19.00.
Entrance ticket costs 7€ , preferential 4€ , people with disabilities free of charge.
How to get there
Stop at Via Camillo Cavour buses № 1, 6, 11, 17, tram №1.
In contact with
Palazzo Medici Riccardi (Italian: Palazzo Medici Riccardi) is the palace of the Medici family in the center of Florence, Italy, located on Cavura Street near the Basilica of San Lorenzo and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. The first secular building of the early Renaissance in the city, it was built by the favorite of Cosimo de' Medici, the architect Michelozzo. Currently, the Riccardian Library is located in the palace. The floors of the building, made of different masonry, divide the facade of the palazzo into three tiers. The rough rustication of the lower floor is gradually replaced by smoother slabs of the second floor and perfectly fitted slabs of the third floor. For the first time since ancient times, a cornice with consoles was put up on top of the building, protruding far ahead. In 1517, the open loggia on the southeast side was bricked up, and windows with tympanums, the creation of which is attributed to Michelangelo, were cut in the walled arches. The ground floor is made of uncut and unpolished stone and, resembling a fortress masonry, should symbolize stability. There were stables, a kitchen and housing for staff. Externally, the second floor, made of polished stone, is separated from the first by a jagged frieze and cornice and decorated with the Medici coat of arms. On the second floor, called "piano nobile", there were living quarters of the owners and representative premises. The plastered halls contained bedrooms and pantries. The rooms that are located around the square patio of the palazzo are small in size. The courtyard, where lemon trees grow and sculptures are installed, also repeats the basic idea of a rectangle divided into three tiers. Since that time, courtyards have become mandatory in all aristocratic palaces. Cosimo de' Medici the Elder commissioned the construction of the palazzo in 1444 to the architect Michelozzo. The palace was to highlight the new position of Cosimo the Elder in the system of power after his return from exile in 1434. The goal was achieved by an unusual method: for the first time, flagstone with rustication was used in the decoration of a residential building, which until then was the privilege of public buildings alone. As conceived by the customer, the palazzo should not be distinguished by excessive luxury, so as not to cause envy among other patrician families. Cosimo de' Medici at this time was the most powerful of the 80 Florentine bankers. The palace was supposed to house both living quarters and the headquarters of the Medici bank. Michelozzo worked on the palazzo for 20 years. On April 17, 1459, the fifteen-year-old Galeazzo Maria Sforza, the future Duke of Milan, visited the palace. In 1659 the palace passed into the hands of the Riccardi family. At the same time, seven additional windows appeared. The Chapel of the Magi is a famous building in the palace, famous for its murals made by Benozzo Gozzoli in 1461.
In culture
The Palazzo Medici-Riccardi can be seen in the Assassin's Creed II computer game. In addition, one of the missions of the game takes place in it, when, according to the plot, in 1478 the main character helps Lorenzo Medici to avoid an assassination attempt during the Pazzi conspiracy ...
