Palazzo Davanzati offers a rare glimpse inside a medieval Florentine home. A short walk from Piazza della Repubblica and the Arno, this tall stone townhouse houses the Museum of the Ancient Florentine House, where furnished rooms reveal how a prosperous merchant family might have lived.
Built in the 14th century for the Davizzi family, the palazzo was bought by the Davanzati in 1578. After centuries of changes and decline, it was restored in the early 20th century by the antiquarian Elia Volpi, who filled it with period furnishings and decorative arts. The interiors are a reconstruction rather than a perfectly preserved family home, but their painted walls and imitation tapestries give a vivid sense of historic Florentine taste.
Look for the open staircase around the inner courtyard and the well shaft that supplied water to the upper floors. Painted bedrooms, an early indoor toilet and the top-floor kitchen bring domestic routines into focus, while lace, embroidery and ceramics reward a closer look. The museum is often quieter than Florence’s major art galleries, making it a pleasant place to linger over the details.
Check current opening hours and which floors are accessible before visiting, as access can vary. Allow around an hour, wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for steep stairs and uneven floors. The museum is easy to reach on foot from the Duomo or Ponte Vecchio.