Palaces

The architecture of the Florentine palaces clearly reflects the historical development of the city. During the period of communal self-government in the 13th and 14th centuries, the public buildings, such as the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo (known as the Bargello today) and the Palazzo dei Priori (known as the Palazzo Vecchio today) set an important precedent for the palace builders of the rich Patrician families. But as the political power was concentrated more and more in the hands of ever fewer families in the late 14th century, the importance of the municipal buildings decreased. The leading families vied with one another by constructing magnificent and architecturally innovative palaces such as the Palazzo Strozzi and the Palazzo Rucellai to visibly demonstrate their social status.
When the Medici family finally gained control of Florence in 1532 after a long struggle, this political change was once again reflected in the appearance of the city. In 1549, Duke Cosimo I. de' Medici moved his home from the former Palazzo dei Priori to the Palazzo Pitti on the other side of the River Arno. During the following centuries, the palace was extended to create an ostentatious residence for the rulers and served as the residence of the Grand Dukes of Tuscany and, between 1865 and 1871, of the first king of the united Italy.