From Giuliano da Sangallo to Giuseppe Poggi: the evolutionary history of Palazzo Gondi

In the 15th century, Florence enjoyed considerable economic prosperity, stemming from manufacturing and commercial activities. This prosperity led to a surge in building activity, which, however, did not result in systematic planning or a comprehensive renewal of the urban fabric, but rather in the construction or extension of private palaces by the wealthiest members of the bourgeoisie, who had prospered through commercial and, above all, banking activities. In an urban fabric that was already established and enclosed within the city walls, it was almost impossible to find vacant and affordable plots on which to erect new buildings. Among the families who increased the size of their properties by acquiring plots of land or buildings adjacent to their homes were the Gondi, one of the oldest Florentine families in the city since the 8th century, with close ties to the de’ Medici family. The Gondi held important public offices: they were frequently Senators, Ambassadors, Priors and Gonfaloniers. From 1455, Giuliano Gondi purchased several buildings in the Santa Croce district; starting from this initial nucleus, other neighbouring plots were acquired to create a single large residence. Between 1460 and 1470, Gondi commissioned Giuliano da Sangallo to design the new palace; work began in 1490 and, after about a decade, a large part of the building was complete. Through historical drawings and surveys, an attempt has been made to trace the palace’s evolutionary history up to the alterations carried out by Giuseppe Poggi during Florence’s period as capital.