Palazzo Medici Riccardi
The original Medici townhouse, home to Gozzoli's jewel-box Chapel of the Magi fresco.
The call
Worth it if you're watching the budget and you only have one day.
Short answer
Is Palazzo Medici Riccardi worth it?
Palazzo Medici Riccardi deserves a place on most first itineraries.
The answer depends on your budget, time and travel style; the breakdown below shows who gets the most value.
Why
- 01
Come for one room and it delivers completely: the Magi Chapel is a tiny windowless jewel-box where Benozzo Gozzoli covered every wall, floor to ceiling, with a single dense procession of the Three Kings — a glittering parade of brocaded riders, hunting leopards, and portraits of the Medici themselves threaded into the crowd, all gold leaf and storybook colour packed into a space the size of a large closet.
- 02
It's the opposite of a vast cool gallery: total, immersive, almost claustrophobic richness, and entry is timed to a handful of people so you get it nearly alone.
Is it a fit?
Go if
You're watching the budget
Palazzo Medici Riccardi earns the spend, even on a tight budget.
You only have one day
Short trip or not, keep Palazzo Medici Riccardi.
You're traveling as a couple
As a couple, Palazzo Medici Riccardi is an easy yes.
You're traveling solo
Solo, Palazzo Medici Riccardi is an easy yes.
Plan it well
- Cost
- €10
- Timing
- Any time it's open; the chapel admits small timed groups so allow a short wait.
- Booking
- Reserve a chapel slot in busy periods given the limited group size.
- Allow
- 45–75 minutes
- Accessibility
- Courtyard and gallery are largely step-free; the chapel involves a staircase.