PALAZZO STROZZI

The Palazzo Strozzi is, probably, the best example of Renaissance private architecture. It was ideated by Filippo Strozzi, who charged Benedetto da Maiano for its construction. Its construction began in 1489 and was directed by Simone del Pollaiuolo, but the works were interrupted in 1538 and the palace remained without the southern facade. Located in the heart of the city, actually the palace seems a fortress, with a rectangular base, three floors each divided by linear cornices.

One of its principal characteristics is the fidelity with the canons of 15th century architecture: symmetrical and linear, in stone blocks that are coarse and rough-hewn on the ground floor and become progressively finer with each higher floor.

In the Palace there are the Gabinetto Viesseux, the Italian Institute of Human Sciences and the Institute for Renaissance Studies. The first floor is open only for exhibitions, but the ground floor is always open.