The history of the ancient palace that now houses the Private Residence Marchesi Pontenani spans centuries, reflecting the events and evolution of Florence since the Roman era. The building still preserves traces of its Roman past, visible in the vaulted structures that form part of its foundations.
During the medieval period, when Florence was a republic, the palace was repurposed as a shelter for travelers arriving from the Tuscan countryside. This district was a large welcoming area that extended to Via Malcontenti, with Palazzo Pontenani serving as a key reference point.
In the Medici era, part of the building was converted into a hospital, and for years, Cosimo de’ Medici continued to use it as a lodging facility
With the arrival of the Lorraine dynasty, further changes took place. Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo entrusted the building to Marquis Alessandro Pontenani, his Minister of Finance, who was originally from Arezzo (in the municipality of Talla, there is a hamlet called Pontenano).
Despite renovations, the palace retains the same architectural features it had during the Leopoldine era.
Residenza Marchesi Pontenani
In the historical center of Florence, the elegant Palazzo stands opposite the garden of the ancient Monastery of the Church of Santa Croce.