Medici Riccardi Palace and Museum, Florence

This splendid palace was built in the XV century by Michelozzo, by order of Cosimo the Elder de’ Medici. In the seventeenth century, it was sold to the Riccardi family who restored and expanded the structure. The first museum established within the Medici Riccardi Palace was the Medici Museum. Located on the ground floor, it was dedicated to the history of the Medici dynasty. The museum’s itinerary today includes the chapel where guests can view frescoes by Benozzo Gozzoli, which represent the arrival of the Magi. The work was commissioned in 1459 by Piero dei Medici. On the altar, you’ll find a copy of the original altar piece which was painted by Filippo Lippi. Said chapel was built together with the palace, according to Gozzoli’s plan. Visitors can also appreciate the courtyard designed by Michelozzo, the palace’s lovely garden and its gallery which was frescoed by XVII century painter Luca Giordano. The rooms of the ex-Medici museum are now used to host temporary exhibitions.