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| FLORENCE HOMEPAGE » PALAZZO STROZZI AREA » FLORENCE MONUMENTS |
Palazzo Davanzati |
This central area between the ancient Palazzo Strozzi and the modern
art of the Museum Marino Marini introduces you in the Florentine’s
true life starting from the past, visiting the Museum of the Antique
Florentine House in Palazzo Davanzati, built in
the 14th century for the wealthy family of merchants Davizzi. Towards
the end of 1570 the palace was handed over to the worshipper of
art and literature Bernardo Davanzati, who wanted it to be the residence
of the family as well as the headquarters of his business. In 1956,
the palace was re-opened to the public as Museo della Casa Fiorentina
Antica (The Museum of the Antique Florentine House). The museum
represents the typical house of noblemen from Florence during the
XVI century, and it contains a whole series of XIV century house-hold
items.
Palazzo Strozzi |
The well known Palazzo Strozzi is one of the symbols
of Renaissance architecture. This imponent palace (the biggest in
Florence), was commissioned by Filippo Strozzi who charged Benedetto
da Maiano with planning a family residence that would be the envy
of the Florentine nobility. The palace was built between 1489 and
1538, but remained without the southern facade. Its Small Museum
in the courtyard, shows the building’s history through drawings
and models.
Other interesting buildings are located in this area: Palazzo
Antinori, originally Palazzo Boni e Martelli, built between
1461 and 1466 and bought by the Antinori family in 1506. Still today
the building is the property of the Antinori family, who, through
time, has overseen restoration work, maintaining the building's
age old splendor. With its elegant courtyard is one of the most
refined palace of the Renaissance of Florence; Palazzo Corsini,
built between 1648 and 1656 by the architects Pier Francesco Silvani
and Antonio Ferri in grandiose Roman Baroque style. The Palace presents
a façade crowned by statues and has a terrace overlooking
the river. It is at the present day the seat of many events among
which the annual Exhibit of Antiques; Palazzo Rucellai
built between 1455 and 1458 commissioned by Giovanni Rucellai, importer
of a rare and expensive red colouring called “oricello”,
from which the same name of Rucellai derives. The Palace used to
house the Museo Alinari that exhibits pictures of Florence starting
from 1852; now the collection has been moved to the so called Archivio
Alinari, in Largo Fratelli Alinari 15.
Palazzo Rucellai |
In the XIV century, was built the residence of the Captains of the
Guelf Party: the Palazzo di Parte Guelfa based on a design by Brunelleschi.
In its interior of artistic interest are the Sala dell'Udienza (or
Sala dei Capitani) dating back to the beginning of the 15th century,
and the
Santi Apostoli |
Salone del Brunelleschi, which was subsequently altered
by Vasari. Above one of the doors there is a Madonna with Child
by Luca della Robbia. Interesting in this area is the Churh of San
Pancrazio, now
Museo Marino Marini. The church of S. Pancrazio is one of the oldest church in Florence and dates back to the IX century; its façade and porch are by Leon Battista Alberti (1461-7). Inside there is the Rucellai’s tomb. The church was changed into a Museum devoted to Marino Marini -1901/1980- one of the most important abstract artist in Italy. His work is noted for rugged and elemental bronzes featuring hoses and riders.
Going on our walk through this area, we suggest a visit to the charming
church of Santi Apostoli, that is, together with
the Baptistery, one of the oldest in Florence. Florentines believe
that it was erected by Carlo Magno during the I century but it probably
goes back to the second half of the XI century. The shape is the
one of an early-christian basilica but the naves are of the XVI
century.
Santa Trinita |
The interior is full of atmosphere with a fine painted timber shed
roof on compound piers which articulate the church into three aisles.
On the third altar of the right aisle is a panel with the Immaculate
Conception by Giorgio Vasari (one of his best works). Another church
worth of visiting is Santa Trinita: the 11th-century
original building was rebuilt and enlarged in the 13th and 14th
centuries, on a project of Andrea Pisano, who remodelled a Vallombrosan
convent that already stood on the site. During the centuries its
appearance changed and in 1593 was added a Baroque facade. The linear
facade in stone is by Buontalenti (1593). The interior presents
frescoes by Ghirlandaio (1483-86). One of the symbols of Florence
is the famous Mercato Nuovo built between 1547-1551 by Grand Duke
Cosimo I. This market is locally known as the ‘Porcellino'
(swine) because of the fountain by Pietro Tacca, 1612. Tradition
want that everyone who rubs the wellpolished snout of Il Porcellino,
is certain to return to the city. Coins dropped in the trough below
are distributed to city charities. In the Mercato Nuovo, lace, straw-work,
leather goods and souvenirs can be bought.
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