Ancient Florence view showing Porta antica di Palazzo Corsini in Corso dei Tintori

Palazzo Corsini Antinori

Palazzo Corsini Antinori Florence: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction: Discovering Palazzo Corsini Antinori’s Significance in Florence

Palazzo Corsini Antinori stands as one of Florence’s most magnificent Baroque palaces, offering a journey into the city’s rich aristocratic legacy, architectural splendor, and artistic heritage. Originally the property of the Ardinghelli and later the Medici families, the estate was transformed after its acquisition by the Corsini family in 1649. Over five decades, architects including Alfonso Parigi the Younger, Ferdinando Tacca, and Antonio Maria Ferri collaborated to create a Baroque masterpiece—distinct from Florence’s prevailing Renaissance style—with a dramatic U-shaped layout along the Arno River. The palace’s ornate façade, lavish interiors, and renowned art collection symbolize the Corsini family’s ambition and status, especially after Lorenzo Corsini became Pope Clement XII (palazzocorsini.it; florence-on-line.com; wikipedia.org; firenze-tourism.com).

Today, Palazzo Corsini Antinori offers exclusive, appointment-only guided tours that reveal its architectural innovations, art treasures, and storied past. Whether you are an architecture aficionado, art lover, or cultural explorer, this palace is a key destination for understanding Florence’s Baroque period and noble heritage. This comprehensive guide provides all essential information on visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, and expert tips to help you plan an unforgettable visit (palazzocorsini.it; summerinitaly.com).

Origins and Early Ownership
Architectural Evolution: From Renaissance to Baroque
Artistic Patronage and Interior Decoration
The Corsini Family and Historical Significance
Visitor Information: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Tours
Events and Modern Use
Architectural and Cultural Legacy
Location and Nearby Landmarks
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Plan Your Visit and Stay Connected

Origins and Early Ownership

Palazzo Corsini Antinori’s story begins with the Ardinghelli family and then the Medici, who built a villa surrounded by gardens on the banks of the Arno (palazzocorsini.it). In 1649, Maria Maddalena Macchiavelli, wife of Marchese Filippo Corsini, purchased the estate from Grand Duke Ferdinando II de’ Medici, setting the stage for its transformation into a Baroque showpiece (palazzocorsini.it; firenze-tourism.com).

Architectural Evolution: From Renaissance Villa to Baroque Masterpiece

The conversion of the original Medici villa into a grand palace unfolded over more than fifty years, with each architect adding distinctive Baroque elements (florence-on-line.com). The palace’s U-shaped plan opens onto the Arno, with a façade adorned by statues and terracotta vases—features rare for Florence’s architectural scene (palazzocorsini.it). A grand staircase and main courtyard enhance the palace’s theatrical appeal, while two main levels offer an array of lavishly decorated rooms, from the Summer Apartments to the majestic Throne Room (florence-on-line.com; palazzocorsini.it).

Artistic Patronage and Interior Decoration

Between 1692 and 1700, the Corsini family commissioned leading artists—including Anton Domenico Gabbiani, Alessandro Gherardini, and Pier Dandini—to decorate the palace’s noble apartments (florence-on-line.com; wikipedia.org). While some sculptures moved to the family’s Roman residence, the Florence palace houses one of the city’s most valuable private art galleries, with works from both Italian and foreign schools (firenze-tourism.com).

The Corsini Family and Historical Significance

The Corsini family’s rise culminated with Lorenzo Corsini’s election as Pope Clement XII, elevating the family’s prominence in Florence and Rome (wikipedia.org). Palazzo Corsini became a symbol of noble prestige and a center for political and cultural gatherings, capturing the ambitions of a family intent on rivaling the Medici (palazzocorsini.it).

Visitor Information: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Tours

Opening Hours:
Palazzo Corsini Antinori is open exclusively by appointment, typically Tuesday through Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Closed on Mondays and major public holidays.

Tickets:
Tickets are available online or by advance arrangement, ranging from €12 to €20 depending on tour type. Discounts are offered for EU citizens under 26, and children under 12 may enter free.

Guided Tours:
Tours are available in multiple languages, led by expert guides who illuminate the palace’s history, art, and architecture. Advance booking is strongly recommended.

Accessibility:
The palace is partially accessible; visitors with mobility concerns should notify staff in advance to arrange assistance.

Travel Tips:
Located on Via del Parione, the palace is a short walk from Ponte Santa Trinita and Ponte alla Carraia. Morning visits are ideal for enjoying the gardens and avoiding peak crowds (palazzocorsini.it; firenze-tourism.com).

Events and Modern Use

Palazzo Corsini has long hosted aristocratic gatherings, cultural exhibitions, and charitable events (summerinitaly.com). Today, it remains a prestigious venue for private events, art exhibitions, and guided tours, maintained and preserved by the Corsini family (firenze-tourism.com).

Architectural and Cultural Legacy

The palace’s U-shaped plan, river-facing façade, and Baroque ornamentation make it unique among Florence’s palaces (palazzocorsini.it). Its interiors—highlighted by frescoes, stuccoes, and a spectacular Throne Room—embody the pinnacle of late 17th-century Florentine art. The gardens, though now smaller, maintain their layered design and statuary, contributing to the palace’s harmony and grandeur (summerinitaly.com).

Location and Nearby Landmarks

Palazzo Corsini Antinori is situated on Via del Parione, facing the Arno River. It’s within close proximity to other important Florence attractions such as Palazzo Strozzi, Palazzo Rucellai, and the Church of Santa Trinita, underscoring its central role in the city’s historic core (firenze-tourism.com).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the current visiting hours?
A: Palazzo Corsini Antinori is open by appointment, Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; closed Mondays and public holidays.

Q: How can I buy tickets?
A: Tickets can be purchased online via the official website or arranged in advance.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, in multiple languages; advance booking is advised.

Q: Is the palace wheelchair accessible?
A: Partial accessibility is provided; contact the palace in advance to discuss your needs.

Q: Can I take photos inside?
A: Non-flash photography is generally permitted; confirm with staff before taking photos.

Q: Can I visit the gardens and art gallery?
A: Both are included in guided tours by appointment.

Plan Your Visit and Stay Connected

To make the most of your visit, consult the official Palazzo Corsini website for up-to-date information on visiting hours, ticket availability, and event schedules. Download the Audiala app for expert audio guides and curated itineraries covering Florence’s most important historical sites, including Palazzo Corsini. Follow us on social media for exclusive updates, virtual tours, and travel inspiration.