Between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, no figure represents Florence better than the wealthy merchant.
During this time, Florence was the richest city in Europe, thanks to its thriving textile industry. Wealthy families invested their fortunes in grand residences, built to reflect their prestige and power. These homes were tall, tower-like buildings, structured around a central courtyard, where both people and animals moved through daily life.
One of the best-preserved examples of this architectural style is Palazzo Davanzati, a remarkable house-museum where we can step into the world of a Florentine merchant family.
Exploring a home from the past
As we move through the different rooms, we’ll discover what daily life was like in a time when:
- The bedrooms were filled with elegant furniture and objects that reveal the roles of women and children in the household.
- The kitchen was stocked with traditional utensils and recipes, like the delicious fried stuffed figs.
- The grand hall, the most important room in the house, was the setting for banquets, celebrations, and political gatherings.
Palazzo Davanzati is also a perfect place for children, offering them a glimpse into a world without electricity, running water, or modern comforts.
As with all Firenze con Me tours designed for kids, this visit includes interactive activity sheets, making the experience fun and engaging. A treasure hunt will guide young visitors through the museum, bringing the objects to life with stories and discoveries that help them understand the history of the home.
Faith and Prestige: The Merchant’s Chapel at Santa Trinita
After exploring the civic life of the merchant, we’ll turn to his religious world, visiting the nearby Basilica of Santa Trinita.
The Davanzati family owned a chapel inside the church—an immense status symbol at the time. Owning a chapel in one’s parish church was a way to assert prestige both in life and after death. These private chapels were lavishly decorated with artworks and often included portraits of the family and elaborate tombs, ensuring their legacy would be remembered.
During our visit, we’ll explore two chapels in the basilica and learn about the masterpieces commissioned to decorate them, discovering how faith, art, and power were deeply intertwined in Renaissance Florence.