Palazzo Strozzi is one of the symbols of Renaissance
architecture. Its creation was the idea of Filippo Strozzi 'the
elder' who charged Benedetto da Maiano with planning a family
residence that would be the envy of the Florentine nobility.
Construction began in 1489 and was directed by Simone del
Pollaiolo, called Il Cronaca. Today the palazzo seems a fortress
in the heart of the city. On a rectangular base there are two
floors plus the ground floor, each divided by linear cornices.
One of its principle characteristics is the fidelity with which
the canons of 15th century architecture have been respected in
the realization of the façade: symmetrical and linear, in stone
blocks that are coarse and rough-hewn on the ground floor and
become progressively finer with each higher floor. On the
opposite sides, on piazza Strozzi and via Tornabuoni,
rectangular windows surround the imposing entrances. Inside the
arch is the stem of the Strozzi family. On the ground floor it
is also possible to see the splendid surroun