Whilst walking around the centre of Florence we came across this beautifully restored renaissance palace, worth a visit. There are a number of beautiful rooms with antique furnishings, all with clear descriptions (also in English), and not at all busy. It is a shame that it is let down by the lack of information supplied when buying a ticket: the kitchens (and the rest of floor 3 and 4) can only be visited as part of a group (which I assume you can form with other hapless visitors) at 10, 11 and 12am. We arrived at the stairs leading to the 3rd floor at 12.10 and were curtly dismissed by the lady manning the rope blocking the access to the staircase. We could have come back (for free) the next day, but alas, the day we visited was our last day in Florence.
Yes, it's a big house and worth visiting. Rebuild from ruin now is beautiful. Open only until 13:50 if you go there without reservation you can see only ground and first floor. Maybe not enough for such a big building. The upper floors are with the local guide at certain hours. Anyway it's good to see everyday life of the rich people in the past. Lot of furniture. Nice wall paintings. there is nice ambiance of the past.
One of the few remaining home that are still in their original condition Although there is little period furniture (900 years) the home has been well maintained and is very unique in its construction. There are secrets everywhere. It was a home with a palazzo entrance but well protected. With very large rooms it's construction was similar to that of a ship. Original beams. Three floors. Original paneling and wall art. A nice change from from the normal museums and churches.
We have visited Florence on many occasions, but only discovered this gem after an Italian friend mentioned that there had been a renovation.
Tickets are cheap, but opening times somewhat erratic; to visit all floors it is best to arrive in the mid morning.
When you get to see all floors the climb up the stairs is well worth the effort (there is a lift), with incredible wall paintings, early plumbing and water supply systems and beautiful and relevant artwork.
This museum is a beautifully restored Renaissance castle housing furniture, pottery and household items as well as frescoes, art, wallpaper, triptychs and other decorative pieces from the 15th and 16th century. The hours of opening of the museum are limited, running from 8:15 or 8:30 to 1:50 and you have to make an appointment to see the upper 2 stories, which are where the kitchen and 2 bedrooms are. They allow you to return the following day without paying again if you are not there at 10, 11 or 12 when they take small groups with reservations through.
It is very interesting!
