Palazzo Davanzati
Step back into medieval Florence at Palazzo Davanzati, a preserved home showcasing frescoes, antiques, and exquisite lace.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate experience
Palazzo Davanzati
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back into medieval Florence at Palazzo Davanzati, a preserved home showcasing frescoes, antiques, and exquisite lace.
"This is my favorite museum in Florence as a material culture and medieval art lover."
🎯 Book Upper Floors in Advance
Access to the third floor with its lace collection is limited. Reserve your slot to avoid disappointment . :ticket:
🚶♀️ Explore Every Nook
Don't miss rooms down the hall from the lift; they are easily overlooked but contain fascinating displays . :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Medieval Frescoes
Walls throughout the palazzo
Vibrant 14th-century frescoes depicting daily life and mythical scenes, offering a rare glimpse into medieval art.
Antique Furnishings
Various rooms
Authentic furniture from the medieval and Renaissance periods, recreating the atmosphere of a wealthy Florentine home.
Lace and Needlepoint Collection
Third floor
An astonishing collection of intricate lacework and embroidery, often displayed in drawers for a unique viewing experience .
Graffiti Art
Walls
Fascinating 15th-century graffiti, offering a raw and personal touch to the palazzo's historical narrative .
Planning Your Visit
Skip the Crowds, Embrace the History
A Hidden Gem Worth Discovering
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Upper Floors in Advance
Access to the third floor with its lace collection is limited. Reserve your slot to avoid disappointment. :ticket:
🚶♀️ Explore Every Nook
Don't miss rooms down the hall from the lift; they are easily overlooked but contain fascinating displays. :camerawithflash:
🗣️ Guided Tours Enhance Visit
Consider a guided tour for deeper insights into the history and restoration of this medieval home.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be walking through multiple rooms and floors, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Upper Floors in Advance
Access to the third floor with its lace collection is limited. Reserve your slot to avoid disappointment. :ticket:
🚶♀️ Explore Every Nook
Don't miss rooms down the hall from the lift; they are easily overlooked but contain fascinating displays. :camerawithflash:
🗣️ Guided Tours Enhance Visit
Consider a guided tour for deeper insights into the history and restoration of this medieval home.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be walking through multiple rooms and floors, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
🖼️ Appreciate the Details
Take your time to absorb the frescoes and antique furnishings; the informational plaques are very helpful.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Palazzo Davanzati, often calling it a favorite museum in Florence for its authentic glimpse into medieval domestic life. The stunning frescoes, antique furnishings, and unique lace collection are consistently praised, with many appreciating the detailed information provided. While access to the upper floors requires planning, the experience is considered well worth the effort and reasonable cost.
"Amazing. I think this is my favorite museum in Florence as a material culture and medieval art lover. The frescoes were stunning on their own, but with the beautiful furniture collection I was blown away!! I also think they did a great job providing information to visitors with the plaques and written info in each room. If you can, definitely make sure to get access to the upper floors as I had an amazing time going through the drawers of lace and needlepoint. Such an amazing collection and worth a visit for sure, even with the strange hours."
Sarah B
"Also known as the Museo della Casa Fiorentina Antica (Museum of the Ancient Florentine Home), the museum offers a vivid glimpse into the domestic life of Florence’s upper class during the medieval and Renaissance periods. The building was constructed in the mid-14th century by the wealthy merchant family Davizzi. It was later sold to the Bartolini family in 1516, and in 1578, historian and writer Bernardo Davanzati acquired it, giving the palace its current name. The building became a national museum in 1956.
Note: Access to the top floor is limited and requires a reservation, as visitor numbers are controlled by time slots.
※ Included in the Combination Ticket of the Bargello Museums."
Seokjin Ham
"A great insight into mediaeval life with a range of displays, and not too busy! The first two floors (accessible by stairs or an elevator) showcased bedrooms and living spaces with informational signs and more rooms than I expected. Make sure you don't miss the rooms down the hall the lift as they aren't super obvious. We had to wait for about 15-20 minutes to access the third floor as they have a limit on how many people can be in the space at once, but once on floor 3 there was an incredible display of lacework and clothing (make sure to open all the drawers to see the displays). We went on a very busy public holiday, but the museum itself didn't feel too packed, maybe only 2-4 other people in each room at a time. A great museum for a very reasonable entry fee, you can also access it as part of a pass to all 5 Bargello-associated museums."
Scarlett McLean
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Palazzo Davanzati is centrally located in Florence, making it easily accessible on foot from many popular landmarks. If arriving by public transport, look for bus routes that stop near the city center. It's often described as being surprisingly close to accommodations many tourists book.
Yes, Palazzo Davanzati is situated in a prime location within Florence's historic center, making it convenient to combine with visits to other museums and sites. It's often overlooked despite its proximity to well-known spots.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Palazzo Davanzati typically opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon. It's advisable to check the official museum website for the most current hours, as they can vary. Some reviews mention 'strange hours', so verification is key.
The entry fee for Palazzo Davanzati is generally very reasonable. It is also included in the Combination Ticket for the Bargello Museums, offering excellent value if you plan to visit multiple associated sites.
While general entry might not always require advance booking, access to the upper floors, particularly the third floor with its lace collection, is limited and often requires a reservation or timed entry slot. Booking ahead is highly recommended for these areas.
Yes, Palazzo Davanzati is often included as part of museum passes or combination tickets, such as the one for the Bargello Museums. This can be a cost-effective way to explore multiple historical sites.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Palazzo Davanzati is the Museo della Casa Fiorentina Antica (Museum of the Ancient Florentine Home). It offers a vivid glimpse into the domestic life of Florence's upper class during the medieval and Renaissance periods, showcasing frescoes, antique furnishings, and decorative arts.
The first two floors of Palazzo Davanzati are accessible by stairs or an elevator. However, access to the third floor may be more restricted, and it's best to inquire about specific accessibility options beforehand.
Its unique appeal lies in its preservation of medieval domestic life, featuring stunning original frescoes and a remarkable collection of antique furniture and decorative arts, including an extensive display of lace. It's considered a favorite by many for its material culture and medieval art.
Yes, guided tours are available and highly recommended, especially for accessing the second and third floors. Guides like Amalia have been praised for their informative tours in both Italian and English.
The third floor houses an incredible display of lacework and clothing, with many intricate pieces showcased within drawers. It's a highlight for many visitors and requires controlled access due to visitor numbers.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside Palazzo Davanzati for personal use, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the delicate artworks and furnishings. Always check for any specific signage in the rooms.
The rooms with well-preserved frescoes offer stunning photographic opportunities. The detailed antique furniture and the unique display of lace on the third floor also make for memorable shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs & Art Lovers
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Medieval Florentine Homes
+1 This dedication to authenticity allows visitors to step back in time and experience the living spaces of a prosperous merchant family.The palazzo's interior is a treasure trove of historical artifacts. The walls are adorned with vibrant frescoes that depict scenes of daily life, mythology, and decorative motifs, offering a rare and intimate look at medieval artistry.
Beyond the frescoes and furniture, Palazzo Davanzati is renowned for its exceptional collection of decorative arts, particularly its extensive display of lace and embroidery.
The museum's commitment to showcasing these diverse elements makes it a comprehensive and engaging experience for anyone interested in material culture and medieval history.The Art of Domestic Life and Decorative Treasures
The museum's re-imagining as a museum of domestic life means that every room, from the bedrooms to the living spaces, is presented with an emphasis on how people lived, ate, and interacted within their homes.The third floor is a particular highlight, housing an astonishing collection of over 2000 refined lace items, embroideries, and drawings.
This extensive display is a testament to the skill and artistry of Florentine craftspeople. The innovative presentation, where visitors can open drawers to view these delicate pieces, adds an interactive and memorable element to the experience.Furthermore, the palazzo showcases historical restorations that are as much a part of its story as the original artifacts. The work done by Elia Volpi in the early 20th century to restore and furnish the palazzo as a museum is a significant aspect of its preservation.
This layered history, from its construction to its transformation into a museum, is often highlighted by guides, offering a comprehensive narrative of the building and its contents.
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