During the construction of Florence’s Cathedral, completed in 1400, most of the houses in the area of the Piazza del Duomo were demolished, with the exception of those in the north-eastern corner of the newly created square. It is in this portion of the plaza that the Palazzo Niccolini al Duomo was subsequently erected. The original buildings housed the workshops of some of the most celebrated Florentine artists, including the famous sculptor Donatello who’s legacy is commemorated by a bust and inscription on the façade of the Palazzo, facing the Cathedral.
The Palazzo was originally built by the Naldinis, a prestigious Florentine family of bankers, merchants, and valorous soldiers. Giovanni Naldini purchased houses in the area and began transforming them into the Palazzo in 1532. Architect Pierfrancesco Silvani was commissioned in the 17th century to construct the Palazzo’s monumental staircase, great windows, and gateway. Throughout the late 1760s, Domenico Andrea Naldini embellished the Palazzo’s interiors with still perfectly preserved frescoes by the best known Florentine artists of the time. The frescoes depict typical 18th century tastes, featuring allegories, landscapes, architectures, ruins, flowers, and animals.
When the last direct Naldini descendant, Cristina, married Marchese Eugenio Niccolini di Camugliano in 1891, the Palazzo was given to his family as part of her dowry.
The residence recently underwent extensive renovated, with careful precautions not to altar any of the building’s historical features. Present owners Filippo and Ginevra Niccolini di Camugliano oversee the residence in all details to ensure that guests receive the highest quality treatment. All guest rooms offer air conditioning, direct telephones, wireless internet connection, hairdryer, combination safe, mini-bar, satellite LCD television, and DVD player. A beautician, masseur, and hairstylist are available upon request.
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