Palazzo Davanzati (Davanzati Palace), Florence

Built in the second half of the 14th century, Davanzati Palace offers a rare glimpse into the domestic life of a wealthy Florentine household during the medieval time. Originally created by the Davizzi family, prosperous members of Florence’s wool guild, the palace later passed through the hands of the Bartolini and Davanzati families, remaining associated with merchant wealth for centuries. Unlike many medieval residences that disappeared during later urban redevelopment, this palace survived the large-scale demolitions of 19th-century Florence, preserving an architectural style that once defined the city’s private homes.

Today, the building houses the Museum of the Old Florentine House, a museum dedicated to recreating the atmosphere of a medieval Florentine residence. In the early 20th century, antiquarian Elia Volpi restored the palace and opened it as a private museum, though its furnishings changed over time as pieces were sold and replaced. After passing through several owners, the property was acquired by the Italian state in 1951 and later restored following structural work completed in stages during the early 21st century.

Architecturally, the palace combines several earlier medieval tower houses behind a unified sandstone façade. Three large portals mark the ground level, while rows of mullioned windows rise across the upper floors. A 16th-century loggia crowns the structure, supported by columns and pilasters, and traces of medieval decorative elements remain visible alongside the Davanzati coat of arms. Inside, visitors encounter a central courtyard framed by arches, vaulted ceilings, and carved capitals that reflect the craftsmanship of 14th-century Florence.