palazzo
pucci
The history of Palazzo Pucci in Florence spans centuries and generations of powerful Florentine families and is a witness to events that profoundly marked the Renaissance city.
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centuries
Palazzo Pucci is located just a few steps from Florence’s Duomo, on via de’ Pucci, after which it is named. The building has a rich past, still evident today in the precious artistic works that adorn it.
The first nucleus of Palazzo Pucci dates back to 1480 when Antonio Pucci acquired houses and gardens in this area. Later, there were expansions and architectural interventions by illustrious architects and artists starting in 1525. During the 17th century, the rooms were enriched with important works, some of which are still present.
In 1901, the building was recognized as national artistic heritage by the General Directorate of Antiquities and Fine Arts.
Since the late 19th century, the third block of the palace has gone through numerous ownership transfers. In 1925, it was sold to the Holy See, which donated it to the Archdiocese of Florence in 1963, where it remains today. From 2012 to 2017, an extensive restoration project, with the support of the Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze, returned the grand halls to their former glory, restoring the space to the city in all its magnificence.
Today, the third block of the Palace (with the entrance from via de’ Pucci, 2) is available for corporate and private events, gala dinners, conferences, meetings, and more. The commercial management is entrusted to Spazio Reale Eventi Firenze Srl.
pucci
What makes Palazzo Pucci particularly famous, aside from its frescoed halls, paintings, and sculptures, is the criminal event it witnessed—the “Pucci Conspiracy.”
The Pucci family was allied with the Medici for a long time until 1560 when Pandolfo Pucci became involved in a plot against Grand Duke Cosimo I. A hitman was meant to kill the Grand Duke right in front of the palace as he was proceeding to religious celebrations at the Basilica in Piazza della Santissima Annunziata.
The conspiracy was thwarted, and Pandolfo Pucci was caught and hanged along with his accomplices. The window from which the hitman had positioned himself was bricked up forever as a reminder of the event and a punishment for the family. The bricked-up window can still be seen on the ground floor, at the corner of via de’ Pucci and via de’ Servi.
