Do you know the story of Bernardo Buontalenti? His real name was Bernardo Timante Buonacorsi and he was an Italian architect, sculptor, painter, military engineer and stage designer.
Born in Florence in 1531, he was one of the leading artists of the Florentine grand ducal court during the second half of the 16th century: in the service of the illustrious Medici family, he was a key figure in Florentine Mannerism, a friend of Michelangelo and linked to the Tuscan Renaissance.
When he was a child he was involved in a serious accident, along with his family, and was the only one to survive the landslide in Costa San Giorgio that destroyed his house and killed his parents. An event that marked the beginning of his service at the grand ducal court, where he became a apprentice of Vasari and the painter Salviati.
During his illustrious career he supervised the completion of the Uffizi and the complex of Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens. He also oversaw the construction site of the Palazzo Vecchio.
The Medici Family Architect
Buontalenti developed a deep intellectual harmony with Francesco I de’ Medici and designed significant works for him such as the Palazzo di Bianca Cappello, Casino di San Marco, and the Medici villa at Pratolino. After Vasari’s death in 1574, he became the court architect, handling major projects from urban plans to organizing spectacular court festivities.
He was elected engineer of rivers and ditches, with an annual commission of 240 scudi, and is also remembered for his extravagant devises, such as the paper lantern with moving figures, which earned him the nickname Bernardo delle Girandole, as well as the father of fochi di San Giovanni.
Just think, even today, in addition to his artistic flair, he is remembered for inventing the Florentine gelato at one of the most important ceremonial banquets he oversaw: the wedding of Maria de’ Medici. It was a cream and cream-based flavor that still bears his name.
He managed to work, although seriously ill, thanks in part to his collaborators, and despite the financial difficulties of his last years, due to his inability to manage finances, he did not fall into poverty because he was supported by a pension by grace of the Grand Duke. He died in Florence in 1608.
The House of Bernardo Buontalenti in Florence
Bernardo Buontalenti spent most of his life in Florence, where his eclectic talent made him a prominent figure in the city’s artistic and cultural scene. After gaining fame and respect through his works for the Medici court, Buontalenti moved to a house on Via Maggio, strategically chosen for its proximity to Palazzo Pitti, the Medici residence.
This privileged position in the Florentine Oltrarno not only allowed him to be always available for the needs of the court, but also facilitated his collaborations with other artists and intellectuals of the time.
His house on Via Maggio became a gathering place for a circle of friends and intellectuals. It’s a place where Buontalenti could develop and share his innovative artistic and architectural ideas.
Buontalenti’s house was recently sold and the negotiation was handled by Dreamer’s team. It is a prestigious apartment located in the historic center of Florence. The bright property, in a prime location, is located within a Renaissance palace.
A historic apartment in Florence with marble details, frescoed ceiling and a striking view of the beautiful Via Maggio.
Exclusive Luxury Apartment in the OltrarnoÂ
Via Maggio is also known as the Via Maggiore and in the past became an important link between the ruling Medici family and the city center. Its function as a court street is evidenced by the numerous palaces that characterize this street, and one of these is the Buontalenti’s schoolhouse itself, which was frequented by illustrious personalities such as Torquato Tasso.
A memorial plaque on the house says:
«Bernardo Buontalenti detto delle Girandole architetto civile e militare della Firenze medicea pittore scultore scenografo costruì per sé questa casa che adornò di poccettiani graffiti ed affreschi fu cenacolo e incontro di alti intelletti primo fra tutti Torquato Tasso e vi morì l’anno 1608».
[Bernardo Buontalenti known as delle Girandole civil and military architect of Medici Florence painter sculptor scenographer built for himself this house which he adorned with poccettiani graffiti and frescoes was a coterie and meeting place of high intellects first of all Torquato Tasso and died there the year 1608.]
This apartment is not just a home, but an authentic treasure chest of history and art, a symbol of Florentine Renaissance prestige and culture.
Buontalenti Family’s Apartment
There is another property closely linked to the figure of the famous architect: a luxurious apartment that belonged to his family, located in the heart of Florence. This prestigious property, located in a renowned Renaissance palace, is just a two-minute walk from the Duomo and the city’s main attractions.
It is the mansion, in which Buontalenti lived at a young age and covers about 450 square meters. It was recently sold by Dreamer Real Estate for a value of about 5 million euros. Completely restored in 2016, the elegant frescoed apartment is a perfect testament to 16th-century Florentine art and architecture.
The Buontalenti family home was renovated in the early 18th century to a design by Pietro Giovannozzi. Today features a Renaissance style characterized by original frescoes and grisaille. One of the elements that distinguish it and make it a truly valuable property is its strategic location in the center of Florence.
Luxury Homes in Florence: Unique Opportunities in Luxury Real Estate
Florence is a city rich in history and culture that offers an unparalleled luxury real estate market. Here, historic houses and prestigious residences in the historic center represent not only exclusive properties but also a very valuable investment. Living in one of these properties means living surrounded by Renaissance art and architecture in one of the most fascinating locations in the world.
Dreamer Real Estate, with its expertise in luxury real estate, offers a portfolio of properties that embody the ultimate in prestige and comfort. From the sale of renovated apartments to luxury villas, Dreamer is the ideal partner for those seeking a one-of-a-kind property in Florence. Here every home tells a story and every corner offers a breathtaking view.
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