Review:

The Pitti Palace is one of the top spots in Florence for art lovers. The building was constructed in the 15th century by the Florentine Pitti family, and was occupied by the Medici family around 1550 after they came to power. The building of the original palace was probably supervised by Brunelleschi. Over the centuries, the palace was expanded by the Medici and turned into a priceless private museum of paintings, sculptures and other rate collectibles. In the back, the palace opens up to the beautiful Boboli gardens with fountains, sculptures and sweeping views of the city.

The Palatine Gallery is a unique collection of 16th and 17th masterpieces by Fra' Bartolomeo, Andrea del Sarto, Pontormo, Rosso Fiorentino, Caravaggio, Rubens, Van Dyck, and others. The gallery has not been rearranged since the 19th century and looks more like a private collection than a museum. The walls are adorned with golden stuccos and completely covered with paintings, from top to bottom. It's a must-see if you are planning a cultural vacation to Italy. The Palatine Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday from 8:15 a.m. to 6: 50 p.m. It is closed Mondays and certain holidays. To confirm opening hours and for more information call +39-055-2388-614.

The Silver Museum is a showcase of unique vases, cups, gold and silver pieces, and precious gems. There are also portraits of powerful Florentines, such as Savonarola and Cosimo I of the Medici family, as well as marble busts of ancient emperors. The museum is open from 8:15 a.m. to 1:50 p.m. It is closed every second and fourth Sunday of the month. Tickets cost 3 euro and include access to the Boboli gardens. For more information, call +39-055-2388-709.

The Gallery of modern art is located on the second floor. The 30 rooms house paintings from neo-classicism to the 20th century. There are many works by Tuscan painters as well as foreign artists. The Gallery of modern art is open on weekdays from 8:15 a.m. to 1:50 p.m. The museum is closed every second and fourth Sunday of the month, and every first, third and fifth Monday of the month, as well as on certain holidays. Tickets cost euro 5 and give you access to both the Gallery of modern art and the Galleria del Costume. The museum does not take advanced reservations. For more information, call +39-055-2388-601.

Galleria del Costume is an exhibit of clothing worn by the Tuscan grand dukes in the 1700s and 1800s. The opening hours and ticket information is the same as for The Gallery of modern art. The palace is a massive complex of rooms, works of art and gardens. Plan a full day around visiting the palace. Instead of buying separate tickets for each museum, ask for the 3-day pass which will give you access to all of the museums and the Boboli Gardens. The famous Ponte Vecchio with its shops is just a short walk away.

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