Palazzo Pitti

Speranza



Austere grandeur of Florentine palaces stems in great part from the predilection of their architects for large projecting bossages, usually of diamond-cut or pyramidal shape.

They used them either as a superb framework for doors and windows or as the basic element of a whole building.

Their use reached its peak in the Palazzo Pitti, of which Taine said,

"I doubt whether there is a more monumental palace in Europe; I have seen none more impressive in its grandeur and simplicity."

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The construction of Palazzo Pitti, following plans by Brunelleschi, was soon interrupted, as it was proving too costly.

Then Ammanati started work on it for Cosimo I.

Ammanati added a courtyard and terrances, more Roman in inspiration than the rest of the building, and which overlook the Boboli gardens.