Palazzo Martelli

Have you ever imagined stepping back in time to experience the life of a noble Florentine family? Here in front of us stands Palazzo Martelli, a place where time seems to have stood still. Palazzo Martelli isn’t just another grand palace in Florence. It’s a time capsule, a rare glimpse into the lives of the Martelli family, one of Florence’s oldest noble families. What makes Palazzo Martelli so special is that it remained in the hands of the Martelli family for centuries, right up to the 1980s. Unlike many other historic homes in Florence, Palazzo Martelli wasn’t significantly altered by subsequent owners. It wasn’t until the death of the last Martelli heir, Francesca, in 1986, that the palazzo left the family. Today, as we walk through its rooms, we’re experiencing it much as they did, surrounded by their collection of art and furnishings. Look for the two empty spaces in the grand staircase hall. These spaces once held two masterpieces by Donatello himself, a testament to the family’s dedication to art and their close ties to the artist. The Donatello statue of David is now in Washington, D.C. The monumental coat-of-arms Donatello created for the family is now in the Bargello museum. As you wander through the palazzo, take note of the opulent period interiors. You’ll see the ground-floor stanze paese, or “landscape rooms,” adorned with captivating trompe l’oeil scenes. Don’t miss the elegant grand staircase leading to the piano nobile, the main floor. This floor is home to a chapel, a ballroom, and stunning picture galleries. Each room tells a story, whispering tales of grand balls, intimate family moments, and the comings and goings of Florentine society. Palazzo Martelli is more than a museum. It’s a living testament to a rich past, offering a unique and authentic experience you won’t find anywhere else in Florence.