Palazzo Strozzi (Strozzi Palace), Florence

Palazzo Strozzi (Strozzi Palace), Florence

With its rusticated stone inspired by the Medici Palace, this palace is another example of civil architecture, albeit with more harmonious proportions. Its construction commenced in 1489 under the guidance of Benedetto da Maiano, commissioned by Filippo Strozzi the Elder, a rival of the Medici family. Upon his return to the city in 1466, Strozzi sought to establish his family's enduring prominence by constructing the most magnificent palace possible as a political statement of his own elevated status. Unfortunately, he passed away in 1491, long before the construction's completion in 1538. In that same year, Duke Cosimo I de' Medici seized the palace, only returning it to the Strozzi family three decades later.

Unlike the Medici Palace, which occupied a corner lot and only had two visible sides, the Strozzi Palace stands independently, surrounded on all four sides by streets. This presented a new challenge in Renaissance architecture—how to integrate the cross-axis while maintaining internal symmetry, a newly desired feature. The palace's ground plan adheres strictly to symmetry on both axes, with clearly differentiated scales for its main rooms. The arches showcase radiating voussoirs that increase in length as they ascend towards the keystone (a detail often imitated in Renaissance revival architecture for arched windows set in rustic stone), while the dominating cornice follows the typical style of Florentine palaces of the time.

Today, the palace has gained recognition for hosting ever-changing contemporary art exhibitions and cultural events. Therefore, it's advisable to check the current displays to see if they align with your interests. Alternatively, you can leisurely explore the tranquil courtyard, which is open to the public without an admission fee, and appreciate the archways and overall layout. If you decide to venture inside, don't miss the small room adjacent to the ticket office that features a wooden model of the palace and informative storyboards on the walls narrating the history of the Strozzi family—a truly captivating experience. Generally, there is no waiting queue, so there's no need to plan ahead or make reservations.

Tip:
Since the palace is one of the few attractions in Florence that stays open late, take advantage of this opportunity to include it as a stop during your evening stroll.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Florence. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Palazzo Strozzi (Strozzi Palace) on Map

Sight Name: Palazzo Strozzi (Strozzi Palace)
Sight Location: Florence, Italy (See walking tours in Florence)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

Walking Tours in Florence, Italy

Create Your Own Walk in Florence

Create Your Own Walk in Florence

Creating your own self-guided walk in Florence is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Duomo Walking Tour

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Arno South Bank Walking Tour

Arno South Bank Walking Tour

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Michelangelo's Masterpieces Walking Tour

Michelangelo's Masterpieces Walking Tour

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Florence's Hidden Art Treasures

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The “Cradle of the Renaissance,” Florence is one of Europe’s most beautiful and busiest destinations, home to some of the world's greatest pieces of art and architecture. The iconic masters like Giotto, Botticelli, Raphael and Michelangelo, as well as their somewhat less-known but equally talented counterparts, such as Ghirlandaio, Sangallo and Castagno, have blessed this city with...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Florence Food Tour

Florence Food Tour

Food is one of the great Florentine passions, and the great thing about having a delicious authentic Tuscan meal, a snack, delicatessen, or a quality gelato here – besides the abundant variety – is not having to spend a lot of money for it.

In general, the “osterias” and the eateries nestled in Sant’Ambrogio Market will offer cheaper and more casual food with an emphasis on home...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Medici Landmarks Walking Tour

Medici Landmarks Walking Tour

The Medici family helped to establish Florence as the single most important art capital of Renaissance Europe. In order to prove wealth and power, they built numerous palaces, libraries, churches, chapels and personal residences. The Medicis were big lovers of art and they acquired huge, expensive collections, as well as supporting many sculptors and painters of the time.

Designed by...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles

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