Step Back in Time: A Visit to Palazzo Davanzati in Florence

If you’re a lover of art, history, and architecture, Palazzo Davanzati is a hidden treasure in the heart of Florence. Known as the Museum of the Ancient Florentine Home, this beautifully preserved medieval-Renaissance palace offers a rare glimpse into how noble families lived in centuries past. It’s an oasis of tranquility in the bustling city center and a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience history beyond the famous galleries and monuments.

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Where is Palazzo Davanzati?

Palazzo Davanzati is located on Via Porta Rossa, one of Florence’s oldest streets, just a short walk from Piazza della Signoria and the Duomo. In front of the palace is Piazzetta Davanzati, a small square (now used as a parking area), from which you can admire the imposing façade of this historic residence.

A Bridge Between Medieval and Renaissance Architecture

Palazzo Davanzati is a fascinating blend of two architectural styles: the medieval tower-house and the Renaissance noble palace.

In medieval Florence, wealthy families lived in tower-houses—tall, fortress-like structures designed for defense. However, as Renaissance ideals spread, homes became more spacious and elegant, with open loggias, decorative terraces, and refined interiors. Palazzo Davanzati perfectly represents this transition, combining medieval fortification with Renaissance comfort.

🔹 Spot the Differences: As you explore Florence, you can compare different building styles. Nearby, you’ll find surviving medieval tower-houses as well as Palazzo Strozzi, a fully Renaissance palace built later.

💡 Fun Fact: Look closely at the iron brackets on the building’s façade. These were used to hang banners for celebrations, but also to hold exotic birds in cages—or even monkeys! In Renaissance Florence, owning rare animals was a status symbol, just like collecting art. This tradition is even depicted in Masaccio’s frescoes in the Brancacci Chapel.

Inside Palazzo Davanzati: A Journey Through History

Your visit begins in the courtyard, where you’ll discover how rainwater was collected and distributed to different floors—an essential feature before modern plumbing. Then, you’ll ascend the grand stone staircase to explore the elegant rooms of this historic home.

🏛 Highlights of Your Visit:

• The Grand Hall (Salone Madornale) – This was the main reception room for banquets and gatherings, showcasing the wealth of the Davanzati family.
• The Parrot Room (Sala dei Pappagalli) – Named after the parrot frescoes on the walls, this room gives insight into Florence’s love for exotic motifs. The painted drapery effect was meant to create the illusion of being in a luxurious outdoor pavilion.
• The Renaissance Bathroom – Yes, even in the 14th century, homes had bathrooms! Visiting this room always sparks conversations about the ingenious solutions people developed before modern plumbing.

🎥 Pop Culture Connection:

The quirky medieval bathroom might remind you of the Italian cult movie Non ci resta che piangere (starring Roberto Benigni, famous for winning three Oscars for Life is beautiful), where the character humorously imagine inventing toilets in the 1400s!

• The Studiolo (Private Study) – A mysterious small room whose original function remains uncertain.
• The Bedroom – Complete with antique Renaissance furniture sourced from Florence’s museum collections.

🧵 Lace & Embroidery Exhibition

One of the latest additions to the museum is a room dedicated to historic textiles, showcasing exquisite lace, embroidery, and garments that reflect Florence’s rich fashion heritage.

🧐 Why are there holes in the floor?
🧐 Who scribbled on the walls centuries ago?
🧐 What’s the story behind the giant painted near the entrance?
🧐 Why did Florentines wear ceramic shoes with ridiculously high platforms?

Bonus Tip: Get the Best Value with a Combo Ticket

Palazzo Davanzati is part of the Bargello Museum network, which also includes:
✔ Bargello Museum (Florence’s greatest Renaissance sculpture collection)
✔ Medici Chapels (the burial place of the Medici family)
✔ Orsanmichele (a medieval church with incredible sculptures)
✔ Casa Martelli (a noble family residence)

🎟 Combo Ticket Price: €21.00 (includes priority entry to all these museums and lasts 72 hours!)

🔹 How to Buy: If purchasing online, select Museo del Bargello to access the combo ticket option.

Plan Your Florence Adventure with Us!

Because of changing opening hours and ticket availability, we recommend planning your visit carefully. If you book with us, we’ll help you make the most of your time in Florence!

Ready to step into Renaissance history? Visit Palazzo Davanzati and experience the Florence of the past—beyond the galleries and grand churches! ✨🏛