Strozzi Palace — Attraction in Florence

Palazzo Strozzi is a perfect example of the ideals of a noble Renaissance residence, and the complex appears as if a small fortress in the heart of the city, a specific request made by Filippo Strozzi himself. The Strozzi family, undoubtedly one of the richest Florentine families until it was exiled from Florence in 1434, suffered through many political and financial competitions with the Medici family. After their exile, Filippo Strozzi worked to accumulate the funds which allowed him to regain his powerful position and re-enter the city of Florence. In 1466, he came back with a mission...squash his rivals...with a vengeance. Once within the walls of the city, his first step was to build a home that would be a physical representation of his power and wealth, more noticeable, more prestigious and...just plain bigger than everyone else's, especially that of the Medici family. Its construction began in 1489 under the direction of Simone del Pollaiolo, known as Il Cronaca, on the orders of Filippo Strozzi. The appearance of the palace is similar to a small fortress built to a rectangular plan with three floors. Though much restructured internally, it is possible to still appreciate the original plan and beauty of the exterior and in the courtyard of the building. The construction was finished in 1538 and stayed in the Strozzi family until 1937, when the last heir passed away. Since the Second World War the Palazzo has been Florence's largest temporary exhibition space hosting modern and contemporary art shows. The building is today one of the most important museums in the city: the Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi organizes a varied and innovative program of exhibitions, events and special activities. Perhaps the most memorable exhibits include The Peggy Guggenheim (1949 and recently repeated in 2016), Gustav Klimt (1992), Botticelli and Filippino Lippi (who was the most visited exhibition in Italy in 2004), and Cézanne in Florence (the most visited exhibition in Italy in 2007). The Palazzo Strozzi now hosts three major exhibitions annually, and there is one permanent exhibition which concentrates on the history of Palazzo Strozzi. In those days of our visit we were able to enjoy the exhibition of Natalia Goncharova with Gauguin, Matisse...

Palazzo Strozzi is an example of civil architecture with its rusticated stone,[5] inspired by the Palazzo Medici, but with more harmonious proportions. Unlike the Medici Palace, which was sited on a corner lot, and thus has only two sides, this building, surrounded on all four sides by streets, is a free-standing structure. This introduced a problem new in Renaissance architecture, which, given the newly felt desire for internal symmetry of planning symmetry: how to integrate the cross-axis. The ground plan of Palazzo Strozzi is rigorously symmetrical on its two axes, with clearly differentiated scales of its principal rooms.[6]

The square. The palazzo has mullioned paired windows (bifore); the radating voussoirs of the arches increase in length as they rise to the keystone, a detail that was much copied for arched windows set in rustication in the Renaissance revival. Its dominating cornice is typical of the Florentine palaces of the time.

The palace was left incomplete by Simone del Pollaiolo (il Cronaca), who was in charge of the construction of the palace until 1504. Also by Cronaca is the cortile or central courtyard surrounded by an arcade,[7] inspired by Michelozzo. The famous wrought-iron lanterns that decorate the corners of the palace exterior, are by an iron-worker named Caparra.

The palazzo remained the seat of the Strozzi family until 1937. Great changes were made to the building when the Istituto Nazionale delle Assicurazioni occupied Palazzo Strozzi. The palazzo, granted by the Istituto Nazionale delle Assicurazioni to the Italian State in 1999, is now home to the Institute of Humanist Studies and to the Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi. The Gabinetto G.P. Viesseux and the Renaissance Studies Institute have both also occupied the building since 1940. Today the palace is used for international expositions like the now-annual antique show, founded as the Biennale dell'Antiquariato in 1959, fashion shows and other cultural and artistic events, such as "Cézanne in Florence. Two Collectors and the 1910 Exhibition of Impressionism". Here also is the seat of the Istituto Nazionale del Rinascimento and the noted Gabinetto Vieusseux, with the library and...

Palazzo Strozzi is a magnificent Renaissance palace in Florence, Italy. It was built in the 15th century by the Strozzi family, one of the most powerful families in Florence at the time. The palace is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, and it is one of the most important cultural landmarks in Florence.

The palace is home to a number of important art exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year. It is also a popular tourist destination, and it is worth visiting for its stunning architecture and its rich history.

Here are some of the things I loved about Palazzo Strozzi:

The architecture is simply stunning. The palace is a perfect example of Renaissance architecture, and it is one of the most beautiful buildings in Florence. The palace is home to a number of important art exhibitions and cultural events. I had the opportunity to see an exhibition of paintings by Botticelli, and it was truly amazing. The palace is a popular tourist destination, but it is not too crowded. I was able to enjoy the palace without feeling overwhelmed by crowds. The palace is located in the heart of Florence, so it is easy to reach from other popular tourist destinations. There is a great restaurant on the ground floor of the palace called Colle Bereto. The restaurant has a beautiful outdoor terrace with stunning views of the city. The food is also excellent, with a wide variety of Italian dishes to choose from. Overall, I highly recommend visiting Palazzo Strozzi if you are in Florence. It is a truly magnificent building, and it is a great place to learn about Renaissance art and architecture. I would also recommend visiting Colle Bereto for a delicious meal with a view.

Pros:

Stunning Renaissance architecture Home to important art exhibitions and cultural events Popular tourist destination but not too crowded Conveniently located in the heart of Florence Great restaurant on-site Cons:

Can be expensive to visit Some exhibitions may be crowded Overall:

Palazzo Strozzi is a must-visit for any visitor to Florence. It is a truly magnificent building, and it is a great place to learn about Renaissance art and...