Renaissance Florence was politically and economically extraordinarily powerful and the ruling élite built suitably grand homes for themselves in the centre of the City.
The Strozzi Palace was built in the 15C for Filippo Strozzi the Elder, a political rival to the Medicis. The Palace was intended to underline the family’s status and power, and it certainly achieves that. The family also endowed the Strozzi Chapel in Santa Maria Novella.
The Corsini Palace facing the River Arno was built in the 17C-18C with almost unbelievable opulence. It is still privately owned.
The Davanzati Palace dates to the 14C and was built and occupied by various wealthy merchant families.
Building work on the Antinori Palace started in the 15C and a member of the family still lives in the building. It dates to the time of Lorenzo the Magnificent and a time when Florence was a political and economic powerhouse.
The Palazzo Bartolini Salimbeni was built in the 16C and is now in private ownership.
The Rucellai family were powerful bankers in Florence and their ‘work-live’ home reflects this power and wealth.
The Spini Ferroni Palace was built in the 13C for wealthy bankers, and is now home to Ferragamo – in the basement.
There are many more of these wonderful 15C buildings in Florence, all demonstrating the wealth and power of the City in the Renaissance.
Lucid Gypsy
Imagine being able to see inside the ones that are being lived in!
Candy Blackham
Thank you for visiting! I am pleased you enjoyed the posts in Florence – a wonderful city. I am currently travelling in Brittany – a magical part of France.