Was this imposing structure always part of Giuliano Gondi the Elder’s vision? Palazzo Gondi, a magnificent palace in Florence, stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Renaissance. Located just a stone’s throw from Piazza della Signoria, it was designed by the renowned architect Giuliano da Sangallo in 1490. Giuliano Gondi, a prominent banker, desired a home that reflected his family’s wealth and status. Sangallo drew inspiration from iconic Florentine palazzi like Palazzo Medici and Palazzo Strozzi, incorporating elements like the central courtyard and rusticated stone façade. The palace boasts a unique feature: an external staircase in the courtyard. Sangallo, limited by space, turned this constraint into an opportunity, creating an ornate and innovative design. The staircase, adorned with Corinthian-inspired capitals, spiraled acanthus leaves, and sculptures, became a focal point of the palace. It’s said that Leonardo da Vinci, a frequent visitor to the nearby Palazzo Giugni which the Gondi family once owned, sketched the body of Bernardo Bandini following the Pazzi conspiracy from its windows. Palazzo Gondi, with its blend of architectural splendor and historical intrigue, offers a captivating glimpse into the world of Renaissance Florence.
Santa Lucia alla Castellina
“A sanctuary of art and faith””. You might say that about many places, but here at Santa Lucia alla Castellina,