Palazzetto Tornabuoni - Free Audio Guide

The Palazzetto Tornabuoni is a historic building located at 17 Via de' Tornabuoni in Florence, Italy. It was created in the 18th century through the merging of several buildings owned by the Giacomini and Strozzi families, by the Tornabuoni family, after whom the street is named. Originally, it served as a sort of dependency to the more prominent Palazzo Tornabuoni, which is situated across the street. The building showcases typical Florentine architecture, featuring a grand entrance flanked by arched portals that once served as shops and workshops. The upper floors display rows of arched windows adorned with stone cornices and decorative elements, characteristic of the city's architectural style. Two small coats of arms of the Tornabuoni family are present on the facade. In the past, the ground floor housed the "Profumeria inglese," the first store to sell talcum powder, founded in 1843. Today, it is home to a boutique of the renowned Florentine brand Hogan, maintaining its original 19th-century furnishings. The Palazzetto Tornabuoni underwent significant internal restoration in 2016 and currently hosts the Florence branch of the Istituto Marangoni, a prestigious fashion and design school attracting students from around the world. Its rich history and cultural relevance make it a notable site for visitors interested in Florence's heritage and architectural beauty.