Palazzo Gondi (Gondi Palace), Florence

Commissioned by the esteemed Gondi family, wealthy bankers who had amassed their fortunes in Naples, Giuliano da Sangallo was tasked with constructing a palace that would befit their prestigious standing. Drawing inspiration from notable Florentine edifices like Palazzo Medici and Palazzo Strozzi, Sangallo borrowed certain architectural elements from these earlier works, such as the cube-shaped structure centered around a courtyard, the ashlar masonry that gracefully slopes across three floors, and the elegant arched windows.

However, Sangallo skillfully modified these borrowed elements, imbuing the palace with his own innovative touches, resulting in one of the most successful architectural accomplishments of its time in Florence. One notable innovation is the design of the windows, featuring a unique arrangement of stones arranged in a radial pattern reminiscent of the facets of a precious gem. The windows on the second floor were intentionally made slightly wider than the others to compensate for optical foreshortening, further showcasing Sangallo's attention to detail.

Tip:
If possible, endeavor to take a tour of the palace to marvel at its lavish painted ceilings and indulge in one of the finest panoramic views of central Florence's towers and domes from its rooftop terrace.