Davanzati Palace in Florence: the Museum of the Medieval Florentine House
Davanzati Palace in Florence is the best way if you want to better understand how life was in the Middle Ages. It’s really great for a tour with children. It was built in the 14th century by the Davizzi family, Florentine merchants and bankers. It later passed to the Davanzati family, who gave the name to the house. Davanzati Palace in Florence is a rare example of a transitional architecture between the medieval tower-house and the Renaissance palazzo. Actually, it is still possible to admire rooms painted during the medieval era, such as the Sala dei Pappagalli (Parrot Room), the Camera dei Pavoni (Peacock Room), or the Camera della Castellana di Vergy (Room of the Lady of Vergy), whose walls depict the story from the 13th-century French chivalric poem of the same name. Kitchens were once located on the upper floors to prevent the risk of fire and also to keep the smells of food away from the noble rooms. Indeed, the one in the Davanzati Palace is no exception, as it is situated on the top floor.
The birth of the Museum of the Ancient Florentine House
Palazzo Davanzati in Florence went through various phases over the centuries. It was saved from the risk of demolition in the 19th century thanks to the Association for the Defense of Ancient Florence. In 1904, it was bought and restored by Elia Volpi, who turned it into a showcase for his antiquarian activity, becoming internationally famous as the Museum of the Ancient Florentine House. Volpi literally transformed the palace into a living testament to the life and comforts of an ancient noble family in the Middle Ages. Eventually, it was purchased by the Italian State in 1951 and opened to the public. Regrettably, all the original forniture is lost because Volpi sold it abroad. In 1911 he arranged a special auction, even announced on the New York Times, to sell hundreds of ancient objets in New York. It went sold out in a short time and it was a huge business for him.
Davanzati Palace in Florence: some of the highlights
The museum preserves exceptional pieces such as the Guicciardini Quilt, a rare artifact made in Sicily in the second half of the 14th century, depicting the epic poem of Tristan and Isolde. Moreover, another noteworthy piece is a “desco da parto” painted by Renaissance artist Giovanni di Ser Giovanni, called Scheggia. It is a round board painted on both sides that was given as a ceremonial gift to women from rich families who had just given birth. It was used as a tray to bring food to the new mother while she rested in bed. Scheggia was specialized in making beautiful forniture pieces, fully painted, and was the brother of the great Renaissance artist named Masaccio. Absolutely precious is the laces and embroideries collection on the last floor. They shaw how uncomfortable was the fashion of the past, when women and children used to wear cumbersome and rigid clothes. Davanzati Palace in Florence is a magnificent experience of a less mainstream museum, definitely off the beaten tracks. Then, visit it with me choosing my Medieval Tour of Florence!