Experience Daily Renaissance Life At Florence's Palazzo Davanzati

Palazzo Davanzati is a Florentine palace that was actually built by the Davizzi family in the middle of the 14th century but carries the name of the Davanzati family, who bought the property in 1578 and lived there until 1838. Sadly, it was then broken up into apartments and allowed fall into ruin. Then, in 1904, it came into the possession of Elia Volpi, an antique dealer who restored and furnished the palace. He opened it to the public in 1910 as Museum of the Old Florentine House. The state purchased the palace in 1951 and, after some alterations, reopened it once more to the public in 1956.

Beautiful and featuring some interesting works of art, it is most important and fascinating as an insight into Renaissance life. It aims at reconstructing the setting of an old Florentine home, with furniture and household tools from the 14th to the 19th centuries: bedrooms display chests full of linen and cots, the bathroom showcases early indoor plumbing and the kitchen features a fireplace with bellows and two turnspits, a wooden bread-kneading machine, a metal butter churn and other tools from various periods.

Many of the rooms boast rather elaborate wall paintings. On the first floor, for example, is the Sala dei Pappagalli or Room of the Parrots, that has wall paintings designed to look like patchwork wall-hangings lined with miniver, with motifs of parrots painted or embroidered on the blocks. A bedroom on the second floor features frescoes that tell the tale of the medieval romance of The Châtelaine de Vergy. The story goes like this: One day, the Duke of Burgundy goes hunting and his wife, the Duchess, invites William Cavalier over to play chess. She tries to seduce him but fails as he is secretly in love with the Châtelaine de Vergy.

Offended at being turned down, the Duchess tells her husband that the knight tried to seduce her. William pleads his innocence and invites the Duke to observe them when alone. Despite her true nature being revealed, the Duchess manages to not only calm the Duke but also learns who William loves and arranges a big party, inviting all important people of the region.

During the party, she tells everyone that the Châtelaine and William Cavalier are lovers and Châtelaine kills herself with a sword due to the shameful nature of the incident. William does the same, upon finding her dead and the Duke punishes the Duchess slashing her throat! This gory, soap opera style tale is played out on the walls of the room; one more fascinating aspect of this intriguing museum.

An interesting outing, off the beaten tourist path that is fun and reasonably priced, this is a must for those who have found a luxury villa in Florence.

Museo della Casa Fiorentina Antica (Palazzo Davanzati)
Via Porta Rossa 13 - Firenze - Tel. 055 2388610
From Monday to Sunday, 8.15-13.50

TICKETS

Full Price: € 2,00
Reduced: € 1,00