Now, the Strozzi family, who commissioned this palace, had a little feud going on with the Medici family. They wanted to show off their prominence and make a political statement, so they decided to build the most magnificent palace in town. Take that, Medici!
To make room for this grand palace, a whole bunch of other buildings were acquired and demolished. Talk about a palace on a mission! Giuliano da Sangallo even provided a wood model of the design because, you know, they had to make sure everything was on point.
But here's where things get interesting. Filippo Strozzi, the guy who started all this, unfortunately passed away in 1491, way before the palace was completed in 1538. Bummer, right? But wait, it gets even more dramatic. Duke Cosimo I de' Medici swooped in and confiscated the palace the same year it was completed. No fair, Duke Cosimo!
The Strozzi family had to wait a good 30 years before they could reclaim their magnificent palace. I can only imagine the look on their faces when they finally got it back. Victory dance, anyone?
Now, let's talk about the architecture itself. Palazzo Strozzi is a prime example of civil architecture. It's got those rustic stone walls, inspired by the Palazzo Medici, but with even more harmonious proportions. It's all about that symmetry, baby. The ground plan is like a perfectly organized symphony, with clearly differentiated scales in its principal rooms. I don't know about you, but that sounds pretty fancy to me.
And let's not forget about the magnificent courtyard, inspired by none other than Michelozzo. It’s surrounded by an arcade and has this central courtyard vibe going on. I mean, who doesn't love an arcade? It's like having your own personal entertainment center right in your palace.
Now, keep an eye out for the ferro, these wrought-iron objects that adorn the building. They were created by a talented ironsmith named Niccolo Grosso, who also went by the name Il Caparra. Think flagpoles, torch stands, and lanterns. Stylish AND functional, just the way I like it.
After serving as the Strozzi family's seat for centuries, Palazzo Strozzi became home to the Institute of Humanist Studies and the Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi. It’s now a hub for cultural and artistic events, including international expositions and fashion shows. So, get ready to strut your stuff, because this palace knows how to party!
That concludes our tour of Palazzo Strozzi, and what a ride it has been. I hope you've enjoyed this adventure through Florence's fascinating history. Remember, when you visit Florence again, look out for the ferro and give them a nod for their stylish contribution to this magnificent palace.
