The longevity
of this family within the political and social infrastructure
of Florence is testament to the key role they played in the
administrative and functional history of the city.
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Next door to the
Hotel Beacci Tornabuoni you can find the "Cappella Tornabuoni"
or Tornabuoni chapel which houses some very important early
renaissance paintings including the fresco of John the Baptist
by Domenico Ghirlandaio.
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The Strozzi family
were, on the other hand, less fortunate in the often volatile
political atmosphere of this medieval city state. Opposing
the Medici did not work in their favour as the family suffered
exile at the hands of their more successful rivals.
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History
The Hotel Beacci Tornabuoni has been carefully reconstructed
in two adjoining historical palaces overlooking the exclusive
Via Tornabuoni, one dating from the early renaissance and
the other from the 16th century. The grand yet understated
Florentine style is evident throughout with the broad and
wide stone staircases and doorways.
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| The older Palazzo
Minerbetti and relatively more modern Palazzo Strozzi del
Poeta, provide an exclusive setting in the exclusive surroundings
of the one of the most famous fashion avenues in Italy, Via
Tornabuoni.
Both Palaces were owned by famous Patrician families of the
time and follow the soft Baroque lines and grand proportions
that were common amongst the houses of the well to do. The
austere elegance of the palace façade of the palazzo
and the private and homely atmosphere of the interior and
common areas can quickly whisk one back to times past when
these grand fireplaces and stunning lounges warmed the families
of the Florentine aristocracy.
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This noble historic residence
now provides the home for a truly exceptional 3 star hotel
in unforgettable surroundings.
Minerbetti Palace was owned by a British family of the same
name, who were important in Florentine society and produced
countless Priors, Gonfaliers and other political appointments
between 1300 and 1700. They were trusted allies of those in
power during the Medici Period of dominance through to the
Princes of Lorraine, who were to later dominate the political
scene.
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| Their banking
and business skills however meant that they soon returned
to Florence, and with their substantial fortune commissioned
some of the city's greatest works of art. Palazzo Strozzi,
on a piazza of the same name, bears testament to the importance
and artistic heritage of this great family.
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Palazzo Strozzi
del Poeta belonged to Giovanbattista Strozzi, a famous Florentine
poet of the time. It was this man who commissioned the rare
and harmonious façade from the architect Gherardo Silvani
that still today raises a proud perspective on the glamorous
Via Tornabuoni.
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| The interior of this second
palace maintains the Baroque feel and that combines the flowing
and curved form prevalent in renaissance design, with a particular
intricacy developed through the mastery of the artistic arts
of construction.
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