Did this grand Palazzo always stand here, in this quiet corner of Florence? Not exactly. Palazzo Pandolfini, you see, was a trailblazer of sorts. It was among the very first structures erected in this northwest part of the city, back when the area was still finding its footing at the end of the 15th century. Before the Palazzo’s elegant stone graced this spot, there stood a more humble abode, a “house with an orchard.” This belonged to Giannozzo Pandolfini, a bishop who envisioned something grander. Around 1514, he sought the talents of a rising star in the art world, a certain Raphael, to craft him a new home. Raphael, though busy with prestigious projects in Rome, couldn’t resist the allure of designing a Roman-style palazzo for the heart of Florence. And so, Palazzo Pandolfini began to take shape. Sadly, neither Raphael nor Giannozzo lived to see it completed. But the torch was carried, first by Raphael’s trusted assistant, Giovanni Francesco da Sangallo, and later by his brother, Bastiano. Even in its unfinished state, the Palazzo drew attention. Pope Leo X himself was so impressed that he showered gifts upon Giannozzo: statues, ornate fountains, even exotic plants to fill the gardens – for every grand palazzo needs a stage to match.
Santa Lucia alla Castellina
“A sanctuary of art and faith””. You might say that about many places, but here at Santa Lucia alla Castellina,