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Museum of Palazzo Davanzati

Palazzo Davanzati
Via Porta Rossa, 13 - tel. 055 2388610

The Palace, built by the Davizzi family around mid-14th century, was purchased in 1578 by the Davanzati family (their coat of arms is still visible on the facade) and remained in their possession until 1838, when it was divided into several flats and suffered severe damage. In 1904 it was purchased and restored by the antique dealer Elia Volpi, who entirely furnished it and opened it to the public in 1910 as Museum of the Old Florentine House. After alternate events, which comprised also the dispersion of the furniture pieces, the palace was purchased in 1951 by the State that reorganised it and opened it once more to the public in 1956. Its most important feature is the architectural structure that represents an interesting example of 13th century home showing the transition stage from the medieval tower house to the Renaissance building. The original facade was decorated with a three-arch loggia, now closed that was once open and used as a shop. A 16th century loggia replaces the usual medieval battlements at the top of the building. The interior, which also has an underground gallery, has a suggestive courtyard on the ground floor that gives access to the stone and wood staircase The museum also preserves a very fine collection of old ceramics and the 17th century hand warmers in the shape of shoes. A very important document in the story of the family and palace is the Genealogical tree of the Davanzati family, a work by an anonymous Tuscan painter of the 17th century. The State has recently purchased a rare wooden chest or "throne-bed" with inlaid front and headboard, manufactured in the Tuscan-Umbran area during the last quarter of the 15th century. The kitchen on third floor exhibits furniture and ordinary daily household, together with working tools, like looms, warping machines and spinning wheels that document some of the activities carried out in the house. The Museum also displays a very fine collection of lacework ranging from the 16th to the 20th centuries and samplers ..... from `Museums and Galleries of Florence and surroundings` ( Apt - Florence )

Museum of Palazzo Davanzati ... More information .. Museum of Palazzo Davanzati