Palazzo Rucellai (Rucellai Palace), Florence

The Rucellai Palace, believed to have been designed by Leon Battista Alberti between 1446 and 1451, and executed partially by Bernardo Rossellino, stands as a testament to the pioneering ideas of Renaissance architecture. Its facade, characterized by the innovative use of pilasters and entablatures in harmonious proportions, showcases the distinctive three-tier Florentine style.

The facade, with its grid-like structure achieved through a system of trabeated articulation, exudes an aura of rational humanist clarity. The stone veneer is adorned with channeled rustication, providing a textured backdrop for the smooth-faced pilasters and entablatures that divide the facade into a series of three-story bays. Each story of the Rucellai facade features a different classical order, reminiscent of the Colosseum. The base showcases the Tuscan order, replacing the Ionic order at the second level with a Renaissance original, and culminates in a simplified Corinthian order at the top level. Twin-lit, round-arched windows on the upper stories are embraced by arches adorned with distinct voussoirs, stretching from pilaster to pilaster. The facade is elegantly crowned by a boldly projecting cornice.

The Rucellai family, like the renowned Medici family, were prominent bankers, and their wealth is evident in the splendor of this palace. Although the interior remains hidden from public view, the exterior stands as a testament to their opulence and taste.

Tip:
Situated on the ground floor of a section that was once part of the palazzo, you'll find the renowned Il Latini restaurant, whose fame stretches far and wide, attracting visitors from around the world. This popularity is evident as the restaurant is bustling and filled to capacity nearly every evening. To ensure you have the opportunity to indulge in their delectable Tuscan cuisine, it is highly recommended to make a reservation in advance.