Casa Buonarroti (Michelangelo Buonarroti House-Museum), Florence

A short distance from Piazza Santa Croce but away from its crowds, Casa Buonarroti is a haven of peace. Once the property of Michelangelo and later inherited by his nephew Leonardo, it was Michelangelo Buonarroti the Younger, the great-nephew of the renowned artist, who transformed it into a place of memory and celebration of the Renaissance genius.

Although photography is not allowed, visitors are free to spend as much time as they desire in close proximity to two of Michelangelo's earliest sculptures. Additionally, they can admire his wooden model for the planned marble façade of San Lorenzo – intended to serve as a "reflection of architecture and sculpture for all of Italy", but one that was ultimately taken away from him, stirring bitter complaints.

The two aforementioned early masterpieces are known as the "Madonna of the Stairs" and the "Battle of the Centaurs". The former, believed to have been carved when Michelangelo was just 15 years old, pays homage to Donatello's reliefs, while the latter, created around the age of 17, represents a departure from the techniques employed by earlier masters, the many dynamically-carved human figures leading Michelangelo to his "own personal revolution". Considering it to be one of his finest early works, he kept it in his possession throughout his life, despite destroying or abandoning many other pieces.

The museum also houses a remarkable collection of over two hundred restored drawings, letters, sketches, and personal belongings, including shoes, canes, a sword, chairs, and a purported self-portrait. Subsequent generations contributed to the collections, which now also feature numerous paintings depicting significant events from Michelangelo's life.

Tip:
While here, you can purchase a combination ticket that includes admission to the Santa Croce complex.