Palace of Bianca Cappello

The Palace of Bianca Cappello, located on Via Maggio in Florence, is a remarkable example of Renaissance architecture, rich in history and legends. Built between 1570 and 1574 at the behest of Francesco I de’ Medici for his lover, Bianca Cappello, the palace reflects the influence and passion of the Grand Duke for this Venetian noblewoman. Designed by the architect Bernardo Buontalenti, it is considered the first documented work of this brilliant architect, who later became one of the most important court artists of the Medici. The palace originally belonged to the Corbinelli family, but was radically transformed to meet the tastes and needs of Bianca Cappello, whom Francesco married in a second marriage in 1579, after the death of his first wife, Giovanna of Austria. The building is strategically located, just a short walk from Palazzo Pitti, the official residence of the Medici, facilitating meetings between the two lovers before their marriage. The facade of the palace is decorated with splendid grotesques created by Bernardino Poccetti between 1579 and 1580, when Bianca was already Grand Duchess and resided permanently at Palazzo Pitti. The grotesques are a testament to Renaissance decorative art, with fantastic motifs and intricate details enriching the building’s facade, making it one of the most fascinating in Florence. One of the most intriguing features of the palace is the underground corridor that connects it to Palazzo Pitti. This secret passage allowed Francesco and Bianca to meet clandestinely during the period of their relationship, before marriage. During World War II, this corridor was used to safely store many works of art from the Vasari Corridor, protecting them from looting and destruction. The interior of the palace reflects the elegance and taste of the time, with decorations that enhance the wealth and sophistication of its inhabitants. Although much of the original furnishings are no longer present today, the rooms of the palace retain an ancient charm that transports visitors back in time. Currently, the palace is used as the headquarters of the archives and conservation and restoration laboratories of the books of the Gabinetto Vieusseux, a prestigious cultural institution in Florence. The story of Bianca Cappello is shrouded in mystery and legend. Born in Venice to a noble family, Bianca fled to Florence for love of Pietro Bonaventuri, a young bank clerk. After Bonaventuri’s death, Bianca caught the eye of Francesco I de’ Medici, with whom she began a passionate and controversial relationship. Their marriage, which took place after the death of Giovanna of Austria, was frowned upon by the Medici court, especially by Cardinal Ferdinando de’ Medici, Francesco’s brother. The circumstances of the deaths of Bianca and Francesco, which occurred in the Medici villa of Poggio a Caiano in 1587 one day apart, fueled rumors of poisoning orchestrated by Ferdinando. However, recent paleopathological studies have suggested that the cause of death may have been malaria. Over the centuries, the Palace of Bianca Cappello has undergone various transformations and changes of ownership. After being transferred to the Hospital of Santa Maria Nuova, the palace passed into the hands of Giovanni Riccardi and later Carlo Lasinio, a professor at the Florentine Academy of Drawing. Today, the palace is privately owned, but continues to be a symbol of Florentine Renaissance history and the tumultuous love story between Francesco and Bianca.