Royal Apartments at Palazzo Pitti reopen

Deborah Cater
Feb 28
3 min read

Florence is full of surprises, and now there's even more to discover! After an extensive five-year closure and meticulous restoration, the Royal Apartments at Palazzo Pitti have finally reopened.

If you're joining FloEasy's Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens tour, you now have the option to explore these magnificent rooms as well. This is your chance to walk in the footsteps of Florence's rulers and see history brought back to life.

Journey Through Three Dynasties

Tucked away on the first floor of Palazzo Pitti, the Royal Apartments tell the story of three powerful dynasties: the Medici, the Habsburg-Lorraine, and the House of Savoy. Each ruler left their mark on this 14-room suite, creating a physical testament to Florence’s royal past.

The apartments date back to the late 17th century when Grand Prince Ferdinando de’ Medici first took residence. The Grand Dukes of Lorraine revamped the rooms in the 18th and 19th centuries, adding their own elegant touches. Finally, the last royal occupant, King Vittorio Emanuele III of Savoy, resided here before the palace was handed over to the Italian state in 1919.

A Restoration Fit for a King (or Queen!)

Restoring the Royal Apartments was no small task. Over nine months, a team of experts worked tirelessly to bring these historic rooms back to their former glory. Gone are the old carpets and moquettes, revealing stunning parquet floors. Frescoes, stuccoes, silk wall coverings, paintings, furniture, and draperies all underwent careful conservation to ensure they shine as they once did centuries ago.

Simone Verde, Director of the Uffizi Galleries, called the reopening “a major cultural milestone,” highlighting how the restoration preserves not just the beauty of the rooms but also the layered history of those who lived in them.

Highlights of the Royal Apartments at Palazzo Pitti

Each room in the Royal Apartments has a story to tell. Here are some of the must-see highlights:

The Green Room – Once the Guard Room of Grand Prince Ferdinando’s suite, this room boasts a ceiling fresco by Luca Giordano and silk wall coverings added by the Habsburg-Lorraine dynasty.
The Throne Room – Originally used for audiences by Grand Prince Ferdinando, this room later became the official Throne Room of the Savoy monarchy.
The Celeste Salon – Once a space for musical instruments, this room was repurposed as a dining salon, featuring intricate white and gold stucco and a stunning Medici-era chandelier.
The Chapel – The best-preserved Medici-era space in the apartments, this room was originally a private chamber before Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo converted it into a chapel.
The Queen’s Salon – Previously the bedroom of Grand Prince Ferdinando, this elegant room was later used by Queen Margherita of Savoy.
The King’s Bedroom and Study – Home to a spectacular 18th-century French desk that once belonged to the Duchess of Parma.

The Green Room

Experience the Royal Apartments with FloEasy

This newly reopened section of Palazzo Pitti is a must-see for history lovers, art enthusiasts, and anyone who dreams of stepping into Florence’s royal past. With FloEasy’s Option B tour, you will be guided through these spectacular rooms as part of your visit to Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens.

Ready to add a touch of royal splendour to your Florence adventure?

Book your tour today and let FloEasy guide you through one of the city's most regal treasures.