Palazzo Davanzati also known as Museo della Casa Fiorentina Antica is a typical example of living quarters of rich Florentine family from 14th century.
Originally build for Davazzi family of wool merchants moved to the hands of Davanzati in 1578, who owned the place for almost three centuries.
At the beginning of 20th century the palace has been changed into the private museum sold later to the state. Due to danger of collapsing in 1995 the whole building underwent the heavy renovation, which lasted 14 years to be finished this year. Some of the rooms are still closed for visitors, and there are to be opened gradually within the year 2010.
The building is divided into four levels, with outer staircase on the side of inner courtyard. The stone and wood steps connect all the floors of the palace.
The ground floor consists of warehouses and repair shops. The atrium from the side of the street and the entry hall have the holes in the ceiling, designed to watch the incoming guests, and even shoot the intruders.
There is a water on every floor transported up from the courtyard well by the sophisticated mechanizm, also adjacet toilets serve separate living rooms.
The rooms of the most important members of the family – the head and the wife were on the first floor.
The guests were met the great hall ( Salone Madornale ).
Camera dei Pavoni - the bedroom is adorned with wall paintings with scenes of the life of the Lady of Vergi, between there is Davazzi coat of arm and some peacocks ( Pavoni ) after them the bedchamber was named.
The most impressive room here is Sala dei Pappagalli name comes this time from other birds – small parrots , which are painted of the fresco imitating wall curtains. A large fireplace dominates this room.
The second floor chambers of other members of the family are not fully opened for the public. Visiting may be possible after making the earlier appointment.
To see are the Bedchamber of the Castellana di Vergy, the Studiolo and the Dining Room.
The kitchen and economic space were at the last floor, so the smoke during meals preparation would not remain in the building but go immediately through roof chimney.
Opening hours:
Mon – Sun: 8.15-13.50
Tickets:
Free admission
Palazzo Davanzati
( Museo della Casa Fiorentina Antica )
Via Porta Rossa 13,
Florence
Phone: 055 2388610
[on the photo: interior of Camera dei Pavoni]
