“Did those frescoes always adorn Palazzo Lapi?” a curious voice asked from the back of the group. A good question! Palazzo Lapi, tucked away on Via Michelangelo Buonarroti, isn’t just a pretty face. It’s a time capsule of Florentine history. Imagine: It began as two homes owned by the Fioravanti family, architects by trade. In 1452, they sold the properties to Tommaso Lapi, a man with vision, and he merged them, creating the Palazzo Lapi we see today. But like any good Florentine tale, the story doesn’t end there. Over the centuries, Palazzo Lapi changed hands like a coveted heirloom. From the Lapi family, it passed to the Simoni, then to nuns, and even to the friars of Santa Croce. By the 1800s, it was a jewel in the Corsini family crown. Each owner left their mark, adding layers of stories, renovations, and even a few hidden treasures. Remember that graffito decoration you were admiring? It was nearly lost! Hidden under layers of paint, it took a keen eye and the dedication of art historians in the 20th century to bring those vibrant flowers, fruits, and ribbons back to life. Today, Palazzo Lapi is more than a historical landmark. It’s a space where history comes alive, housing various associations dedicated to preserving the past and inspiring the future.
Santa Lucia alla Castellina
“A sanctuary of art and faith””. You might say that about many places, but here at Santa Lucia alla Castellina,