Castles, Palaces & Historic Buildings in Florence

Palaces are all over Florence. There were once the homes of noble families in Florence. Today most of the palaces are public spaces or even museums. Palazzo Davanzati is one of the most preserved palaces in Florence. Being held as the most true to form home of a noble family. They have turned it into a museum which is a great way to see how people have lived back in the Renaissance. Palazzo Vecchio, today the city hall, was once the home of the Medici as well. It is now also a museum which is open to the public.

Palazzo Antinori is still owned by one of the oldest families in Florence. The Antinori family owns many vineyards in Tuscany and Umbria. In the Palazzo Antinori, there is Cantinetta Antinori which is the encoteca or wine bar with all the famous wines produced by the family and a plethora of others. It is a very chic place. Tourists are always welcome. The rest of the Palazzo is open to having large, extravagant gatherings by appointment of course. You only allowed on the main level of the palazzo which there is a display of each of the properties the Antinori's own in Tuscany and Umbria. Very particular to see.

Palazzo Gondi is located in Piazza San Firenze and has been restored many times over. It was orgininally built by Giuliano da Sangallo in 1490. The building was based on the similar powerful looking palazzi such as Palazzo Medici Riccardi and Palazzo Strozzi. It is said that Leonardo da Vinci once lived here and it is where he painted the masterpiece, Mona Lisa. Today the palazzo is still owned by the descendants of the family but on the street level there are many businesses such as high end leather shops and a cafe`.

The palaces in Florence are really what defines the city. Noble families once ruled these cobblestones and now we are able to walk in their shoes and experience how they lived.

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