Medici Palace, Lucca Travel Guide

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Explore the Medici Palace in Pisa, a historic landmark with architectural influences from the medieval and Renaissance eras.

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Medici Palace

The Medici Palace, also known as Palazzo Vecchio de' Medici, is a historical building in Pisa with a rich history dating back to the 11th century. Once a residence of the powerful Medici family, it showcases architectural styles from different eras, including Gothic revival elements. Today, it serves as the seat of the Prefecture of Pisa.

A brief summary to Medici Palace

Piazza Giuseppe Mazzini, 7, Pisa, Province of Pisa, 56127, IT
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Medici Palace.

Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience.
Take a stroll along the Arno River after your visit to enjoy the scenic views.
Check the official website for any special events or exhibitions that may be taking place during your visit.

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Getting There

Walking

From Pisa Centrale railway station, the Medici Palace is approximately a 20-minute walk. Exit the station and head towards the city center. Walk along Corso Italia, the main shopping street, until you reach Piazza Giuseppe Mazzini. The Medici Palace is located on the square at number 7.
Public Transport

From Pisa Centrale railway station, take bus lines LAM Verde, 2, 4, 5, 13, 21, or 22 to the 'Mediceo' bus stop. The bus stop is located right in front of the palace. A 70-minute ticket costs €1.70 and can be purchased at newsagents, grocery stores, supermarkets, or via the AT Bus mobile app.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Pisa. You can hail a taxi on the street or call Radio Taxi Pisa. A taxi ride from Pisa Centrale railway station to the Medici Palace will cost approximately €8.70, including the base fare and price per kilometer. The base fare is €3.25, and the price per km is €1.10.

Discover more about Medici Palace

Located on Piazza Giuseppe Mazzini, the Medici Palace, or Palazzo Vecchio de' Medici, stands as a testament to Pisa's rich history. Its origins trace back to the 11th century when it began as a casa torre belonging to the nobleman Albizone. Over the centuries, it passed through various owners, including the Casapieri and Appiano families, before being acquired by the Medici family in 1446. Lorenzo de' Medici, also known as Lorenzo the Magnificent, frequented the palace for health reasons. In 1539, Cosimo I de' Medici renovated the palace without altering its exterior. However, significant modernization began in 1550, introducing 'kneeling' windows crafted from Carrara marble. Eleonora da Toledo commissioned a new garden in 1551, and Baccio Bandinelli planned an extension in 1558, though it was never realized. In 1574, the Medici family constructed a new residence, Palazzo Reale, and in 1784, the Palazzo Vecchio was sold to Jacopo Finocchietti. In 1879, Ranieri Simonelli restructured the palazzo in Neogothic style for Marchesa Vittoria Spinola, adding double and triple mullioned windows, marble columns, and a brickwork tower with battlements. Today, the palace houses the Prefecture of Pisa.