Palazzo Davanzati, Florence

Historic Building and Museum in Florence

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Sailko

Palazzo Davanzati is one of the top attractions in Florence for travellers who want to explore a side of the city beyond its grand churches and palaces. This remarkable house-museum preserves the atmosphere of an old Florentine home across several centuries, from the medieval period to the Renaissance and beyond. It is also a great place to visit on a walking tour of Florence, as it sits close to Via Tornabuoni, Palazzo Strozzi, and Piazza della Repubblica while offering a completely different, intimate experience.

Built by the Davizzi family in the mid-14th century and later purchased by the Davanzati family in 1578, the palazzo suffered a long decline before being rediscovered and restored. Today, it stands as one of the best places to visit in Florence for anyone curious about domestic architecture, craftsmanship, and daily life across generations.

History and Significance of Palazzo Davanzati
Things to See and Do in Palazzo Davanzati
How to Get to Palazzo Davanzati
Practical Tips on Visiting Palazzo Davanzati
Where to Stay close to Palazzo Davanzati
Is Palazzo Davanzati Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Palazzo Davanzati
Nearby Attractions to Palazzo Davanzati

History and Significance of Palazzo Davanzati

The palazzo began as a 14th-century residence built by the wealthy Davizzi merchants. Its architecture reflects the transition from medieval tower houses to more spacious Renaissance homes. When the Davanzati family acquired it in 1578, they left their mark on the façade with their coat of arms, still visible today.

After the family’s departure in 1838 and the building’s subsequent division into flats, the structure deteriorated. In 1904, antique dealer Elia Volpi purchased the property and restored it, creating the “Museum of the Old Florentine House” in 1910. Although some furnishings were dispersed in later years, the State acquired the palazzo in 1951 and reopened it in 1956 as a carefully curated house-museum.

Today, Palazzo Davanzati remains a rare example of historic Florentine domestic life, preserving architectural elements, artworks, and household items that illuminate daily routines from the 14th to 19th centuries.

Things to See and Do in Palazzo Davanzati

The façade originally featured an open three-arch loggia used as a shop-a reminder of the building’s commercial roots. Inside, visitors enter a charming courtyard leading to stone-and-wood staircases that climb to four upper floors.

The rooms on the first and third floors mirror each other, with a large audience hall (madornale), dining rooms, bedrooms, and rare medieval “agiamenti” (toilets), an unusual feature for homes of the period. Terracotta floors, painted wooden ceilings, and walls decorated with frescoes and heraldic motifs evoke the elegance of early Florentine interiors.

Among the most notable rooms are the Sala dei Pappagalli (Parrot Room), richly adorned with colourful wall decorations, and the Bedroom of the Lady of Vergi, which features scenes from the medieval romance of the same name.

The museum’s collection includes chests filled with antique linens, 16th-century painted cabinets, Giovanni di Ser Giovanni’s The Game of Civettino, and a 15th-century marble bust of a child by Antonio Rossellino. Visitors can also admire old ceramics, 17th-century hand warmers shaped like shoes, and the Davanzati family’s 17th-century genealogical tree.

On the upper floor, the kitchen displays everyday household tools-looms, spinning wheels, warping machines, and utensils-that reveal the domestic industries once carried out within the home. A lace collection spanning the 16th to 20th centuries adds another layer of craftsmanship and beauty.

How to Get to Palazzo Davanzati

Florence Airport, Peretola, offers tram and taxi services into the city centre. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Florence on Booking.com.

Santa Maria Novella train station is about a 10-minute walk from the palazzo, located near Via Tornabuoni. Use Omnio to easily compare schedules, book train tickets, and find the best prices all in one place for a hassle-free journey across Italy.

Driving in the centre is restricted due to ZTL zones; park outside the restricted area and walk or take a taxi to the museum. If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting Palazzo Davanzati

Suggested tips: Visit early in the day to explore the quieter upper floors.
Best time to visit: Late morning or early afternoon.
Entrance fee in Euros: Approximately €4-€6; combined museum passes may be available.
Opening hours: Generally open most days; check for closures on holidays or maintenance days.
Official website: Polo Museale della Toscana.
How long to spend: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.
Accessibility: Multiple staircases; limited accessibility for visitors with mobility issues.
Facilities: Small shop; cafés and services nearby.
Photography tip: Capture the frescoed walls of the Sala dei Pappagalli.
Guided tours: Available periodically or through private guides.
Nearby food options: Numerous cafés and restaurants around Via Porta Rossa and Via Tornabuoni.

Where to Stay close to Palazzo Davanzati

For a refined stay nearby, consider Hotel degli Orafi, offering elegant river views. A boutique choice close to the museum is Hotel Davanzati, known for its warm hospitality. Another excellent option is Hotel Brunelleschi, centrally located near major landmarks.

Is Palazzo Davanzati Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Palazzo Davanzati provides a fascinating, intimate look at Florentine domestic life across centuries. Its preserved architecture, decorated interiors, and evocative furnishings make it a rare cultural treasure-perfect for travellers who want to understand Florence beyond its monumental art and architecture.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (1,367)

Museo di Palazzo Davanzati on Via Porta Rossa is housed in a 14th-century palazzo and presents an intimate look at upper-class Florentine domestic life through antiques, furniture, frescoes, lace and needlepoint collections; visitors praise the authentic atmosphere, informative room plaques, guided-access upper floors (reservation required) and recommend it as a rewarding, sometimes less-crowded alternative to busier attractions.

Lukasz P

a week ago

"Absolute must see if you are in Florence for a few days. The palace looks very authentic and has its own charm. Maybe not that popular as othertouristic attractions, but definitely worth visiting...."

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Sarah B

7 months ago

"Amazing. I think this is my favorite museum in Florence as a material culture and medieval art lover. The frescoes were stu ing on their own, butwith 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...."

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Paul Svetahor

a week ago

"Very underrated and worth the visit. See how wealthy business families lived in Florence during the Renaissance."

FAQs for Visiting Palazzo Davanzati

Access may vary; some upper floors open only on guided tours.

Yes-its rooms and objects often spark curiosity about historical daily life.

Photography is usually permitted without flash; check signs for restrictions.

Nearby Attractions to Palazzo Davanzati

Palazzo Strozzi - Renaissance palace with major exhibitions.
Via Tornabuoni - Elegant shopping street.
Ponte Santa Trinita - One of Florence’s most beautiful bridges.
Piazza della Repubblica - Historic central square.
Museo Marino Marini - Modern art museum inside a former church.

The Palazzo Davanzati appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Florence!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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