In the
major art cities of the world, monuments and museums are almost always flooded
with tourists, making them unpopular with locals who prefer not to brave the
lines or deal with the crowds. Thus, residents often overlook so many things
which are literally sitting right under their noses.
This is a major reason why
initiatives like this one, held in the off season, are particularly useful. It
is a chance for Florentines to enjoy their city and become acquainted with some
of its most beautiful venues.
Palazzo Davanzati was originally built for the Davizzi family, wealthy merchants and bankers, in the mid 14th century. In 1578 it was purchased by the Davanzati family, who retained possession until 1838 when it was divided into several apartments and subsequently suffered extensive damage.
Palazzo Davanzati was originally built for the Davizzi family, wealthy merchants and bankers, in the mid 14th century. In 1578 it was purchased by the Davanzati family, who retained possession until 1838 when it was divided into several apartments and subsequently suffered extensive damage.
In 1904 the building was bought by Elia Volpi, an antiques dealer who restored and furnished it to create a private museum, The Old Florentine House, in 1910. Future events and misfortune eventually led to the demise of the museum and its belongings until the State took it over in 1951 and reopened it to the public five years later. However, in 1995 the museum was closed for major restoration until 2005 and only this year (2012) was it fully reopened.
Upon entering the building you are transported back in time. The impressive courtyard has an irregular shape marked by arches, octagonal pillars with decorated capitals and a majestic stone staircase leading to the living quarters on the three upper floors. Throughout the visit you will feel as if you are really inside a historic residence where time has stood still. The elegant reception rooms and spacious bedrooms are decorated with fine antiques, paintings, sculptures, tapestries and pottery. A large kitchen, located on the top floor, boasts a series of utensils and antique household appliances. The original architectural elements like hand painted wood ceilings and wall decorations, and the unique feature of having bathrooms on every floor, an uncommon luxury in a home from this period, underscore the elite origins of this beautiful palazzo.