Palazzo dei Mozzi

The Palazzo dei Mozzi is a historic building in Florence's Oltrarno district, located at the end of Piazza de' Mozzi, which you can reach from the Ponte alle Grazie. Originally built between 1260 and 1273 by the influential Mozzi family as a fortified complex, the property also served in the Middle Ages as a guesthouse for high-ranking visitors such as Pope Gregory X. Over the centuries, the building was remodeled several times, including an adaptation to the Renaissance style in the 14th century and renovations in the 18th century that added frescoes, among other things. After the Mozzi family died out and a period of decay, the antiques dealer Stefano Bardini bought the property in 1913.

Bardini used the palace as a gallery for his collection and had the gardens on the hillside behind the building laid out; they are now known as the Giardino Bardini. After his death, the remaining collection was given to the city, which led to the founding of the Museo Bardini. After a long closure for restoration, during which the facade was returned to its presumed medieval appearance, the museum reopened its doors in 2009.

Today the palace houses a diverse collection of Florentine art and artifacts dating back to the early Renaissance. Highlights include works by artists such as Donatello, Tino di Camaino, and Antonio del Pollaiuolo. You can also admire collections of weapons, armor, antique musical instruments, painted ceilings, and 15th-century polychrome stuccowork. The second floor is home to the Corsi Collection, which includes artworks from the 12th to the 19th century.