Palazzo Davanzati

Palazzo Davanzati: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Florence Historical Sites Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Palazzo Davanzati, nestled in the heart of Florence, stands as an extraordinary example of late medieval and early Renaissance domestic architecture. This historic palace, originally built in the mid-14th century by the Davizzi family and later owned by the Davanzati family, offers a rare opportunity to experience the authentic environment of a Florentine patrician home. Today, the palace operates as a museum, preserving original frescoes, period furnishings, textiles, and artifacts that reveal the daily life, artistry, and culture of Florence’s elite (museumsinflorence.com; Bargello Musei).

This guide provides thorough information on visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, guided tours, and nearby attractions, as well as detailed insights into the palace’s history, architecture, and collections. Whether you are a history buff, architecture lover, or a curious visitor, Palazzo Davanzati is a must-see destination among Florence’s historical sites.

Close-up view of antique door handles and lock on a wooden door in Florence, Italy

Historical Overview

Origins and Ownership

Palazzo Davanzati was constructed in the mid-14th century for the Davizzi family, who were prominent wool merchants in Florence’s bustling mercantile scene. The palace’s design bridges the gap between medieval tower houses and the more open, horizontal palazzi of the Renaissance, reflecting Florence’s evolving urban landscape (museumsinflorence.com).

In 1578, the property was acquired by the Davanzati family, whose name it still bears. Their stewardship lasted until the 19th century, during which the palace was both a private residence and a symbol of patrician status (Bargello Musei). After a period of decline and subdivision, the building was rescued and restored in the early 20th century by Elia Volpi, who opened it as a museum.

Restoration and Museum Foundation

Elia Volpi’s 20th-century restoration set a precedent for historic house museums. He furnished the palace with period-appropriate artifacts and opened it to the public in 1910. The Italian state acquired the property in 1951, and after further restorations, Palazzo Davanzati reopened as a public museum in 1956, managed today by the Bargello Museums group (museumsinflorence.com).

Architectural Features

Palazzo Davanzati’s architecture combines medieval defensive elements—such as thick stone walls and narrow windows—with Renaissance innovations, including an open loggia and a central courtyard. The facade is notable for its rusticated stone, the Davanzati coat of arms, and wrought ironwork for silk banners (BeCulture).

Inside, the palace is arranged vertically across four main floors plus a rooftop loggia, reflecting the medieval need to maximize urban space. The interior includes:

Ground Floor: Once used for commerce, now serves as the museum entrance and reception.
First Floor: The heart of the domestic space, with main halls, frescoed rooms, and lace exhibits.
Upper Floors: Accessible only via guided tour, these contain bedrooms, a Renaissance kitchen, and the open-air loggia (ArtTrav).

Museum Collections and Highlights

Notable Rooms

Sala dei Pappagalli (Parrot Room): Famous for its colorful frescoes of parrots and geometric patterns, reflecting medieval tastes.
Camera dei Pavoni (Peacock Room): Decorated with peacock motifs and allegorical scenes.
Camera della Castellana di Vergy: Features wall paintings illustrating the legend of the Lady of Vergy, a medieval French romance.
Lace Rooms: Displaying the museum’s extensive collection of lace and embroidery, a testament to Tuscan craftsmanship (Florence Art Museums).

Artistic and Decorative Highlights

Paintings: Works by Giovanni di Ser Giovanni (Lo Scheggia), Antonio Rossellino, and other Renaissance masters.
Furniture: Includes cassoni (marriage chests), beds, and period domestic items.
Textiles: The Guicciardini Blanket, a 14th-century embroidered masterpiece.
Genealogical Tree: A 17th-century painted family tree tracing the Davanzati lineage.
Rotating Exhibits: Temporary loans from the Bargello and other collections provide fresh perspectives for repeat visitors.

Immersive Experience

Rooms are furnished and decorated to recreate the lived experience of a Renaissance household, offering a sense of authenticity and atmosphere rarely found in larger museums (Visit Florence).

Visitor Information

Address

Via Porta Rossa 13, Florence, Italy

Opening Hours

Tuesday to Sunday: 8:15 AM – 1:50 PM (last entry 1:15 PM)
Closed: Mondays, January 1, May 1, December 25
Note: Hours may vary during special events or holidays; always check the official website before visiting.

Tickets

Standard Admission: €6.00–€7.00 (check current prices)
Reduced Rate: €2.00–€3.50 for EU citizens aged 18–25
Free Entry: EU citizens under 18 or over 65, students of relevant disciplines, licensed guides, and people with disabilities (with one companion)
Free Sundays: First Sunday of each month under the “Domenica al Museo” program
Booking: Purchase tickets online via B-ticket.com, by phone (+39 055 294 883), or at the entrance. Advance booking is strongly recommended, especially for guided tours and during peak periods (Florence Art Museums; Cultured Voyages).

Accessibility

Ground Floor & First Floor: Accessible to all visitors.
Upper Floors: Access only by guided group tours (reservation required).
Wheelchair Access: Limited, especially for upper floors. Contact the museum for assistance and to arrange access (Bargello Musei).
Facilities: Restrooms on the ground floor; no on-site café.

Guided Tours and Special Events

Guided Tours: Required for upper floors; book in advance by phone or email ([email protected]).
Languages: Tours available in multiple languages.
Workshops & Exhibitions: Regular educational events and temporary exhibitions focus on domestic life, art, and textile traditions (Visit Florence).

Travel Tips

Duration: Allow 1–1.5 hours for a basic visit; guided tours may take longer.
Photography: Non-flash photography is usually permitted; confirm on arrival.
Accessibility: Contact staff in advance for special needs or wheelchair access.
Free Entry Days: Arrive early during free Sundays to avoid queues; advance booking is not possible for these days.
Nearby Attractions: Combine your visit with the Bargello Museum, Orsanmichele, Piazza della Signoria, and the Duomo (Through Eternity).

Nearby Attractions

Piazza della Repubblica
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo)
Museo Nazionale del Bargello
Uffizi Gallery
Palazzo Vecchio

All major sites are within walking distance, making Palazzo Davanzati an ideal starting point for exploring Florence’s rich cultural landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: Tuesday to Sunday, 8:15 AM to 1:50 PM; closed on Mondays and select holidays (Bargello Musei).

Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: Purchase online via B-ticket.com, by phone, or at the entrance.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, especially required for upper floors. Advance reservation is recommended.

Q: Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
A: The ground and first floors are accessible; upper floors have limited access.

Q: Are there free entry days?
A: The first Sunday of each month is free under the “Domenica al Museo” initiative.

Q: Can I take photos inside?
A: Non-flash photography is generally allowed; check with staff.

Visual Experience

Explore virtual tours and interactive maps via the official museum website.

Plan Your Visit

Check current opening hours and ticket options before your visit.
Book guided tours of upper floors in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Wear comfortable shoes and allow enough time to enjoy all the museum’s highlights.
Download the Audiala app for audio guides and insider tips.

Conclusion

Palazzo Davanzati is a living chronicle of Florence’s domestic, artistic, and architectural history. Its meticulously restored rooms, rich collections, and evocative atmosphere make it an essential stop for anyone exploring Florence’s heritage. With practical visitor information, immersive exhibits, and a central location, Palazzo Davanzati offers a memorable, authentic experience distinct from Florence’s larger museums.

For up-to-date details, special events, and ticket information, consult the official websites below. Enhance your cultural exploration of Florence by including Palazzo Davanzati in your itinerary!