Pucci Palace

Palazzo Pucci, located in the heart of Florence, represents an architectural and historical treasure that has crossed centuries while maintaining its charm intact. Its history began in 1480 when Antonio Pucci purchased the houses and gardens in the area. From that moment on, a series of expansions and renovations by renowned architects such as Paolo Falconieri, Giovanni da San Giovanni, Jacopo Chiavistelli, and Giovanni Domenico Ferretti helped transform the building into a masterpiece of Florentine architecture. The Pucci family, one of the most influential in Florence, inhabited the palace for centuries, turning it into not only a private residence but also a center of cultural and political activities. One of the most well-known episodes involving Palazzo Pucci is the conspiracy of Pandolfo Pucci against Grand Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici in 1560. Pandolfo, who attempted to assassinate the Grand Duke, was discovered and executed, and the window from which the attack was to take place was walled up forever as a punishment. This architectural detail, still visible today, adds a sense of mystery and history to the palace. The palace is also known for its magnificent interiors, including the Hall of Apollo and the Hall of Paris. The Hall of Apollo, once used for events and ceremonies, is adorned with precious frescoes and paintings that create an atmosphere of elegance and sophistication. This hall can accommodate up to 180 people and is often used for conferences and banquets. The Hall of Paris, smaller but equally fascinating, is suitable for more intimate events and can accommodate up to 90 people. Throughout the 20th century, Palazzo Pucci went through periods of decline and revival. After being closed for about forty years, it underwent a major restoration that brought back the original beauty of the interior spaces. Today, part of the palace is owned by the Archdiocese of Florence, while another part is still managed by the Pucci family. Thanks to the contribution of the Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze Foundation, the palace has been reopened to the public and now hosts cultural events, conferences, and charity activities. Another fascinating aspect of Palazzo Pucci is its connection to fashion, thanks to the illustrious designer Emilio Pucci. In the 1960s, Emilio Pucci transformed part of the palace into the headquarters of his fashion brand, making it a center of creativity and innovation. After his death, the palace was further developed as the “Emilio Pucci Heritage Hub,” a center that celebrates the history and legacy of the brand. This space includes archives, exhibitions, and special projects that explore the roots and evolution of the Pucci brand, making it a meeting place between tradition and modernity. The facade of the palace, stretching from Via dei Servi to Via Ricasoli, is characterized by distinctive architectural details, such as the coat of arms of the Pucci family, representing a Moor with a band on his head. This symbol, whose origin is shrouded in mystery, has been interpreted in various ways over the centuries, adding another layer of intrigue to the family’s history.