Early History
Between 1500 and 1532, the Da Sommaia family acquired the buildings where the palace stands today. Over the following decades, they unified and transformed the structures. When the family line ended in the early 1600s, the palace was acquired by the Bourbon del Monte Santa Maria family, who expanded it and added features like the rare hanging garden.
The Niccolini Family
In 1863, the Niccolini Marquis purchased the palace, preserving its 17th century character while updating the interiors to suit the times. The family lived here until 1980 before relocating to their countryside estate in Camugliano, surrounded by cultivated lands.
Architecture and Artworks
The palace features frescoed ceilings, painted coffers, and authentic furnishings that reflect its noble heritage. Notable artworks include portraits of Agnolo Niccolini, a cardinal close to Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici, and Pietro Niccolini, Archbishop of Florence. A marble bust commemorates Lorenzo Niccolini, who restored the family’s fortunes in the 19th century.
Preservation and Legacy
The palace’s archives, still preserved in a dedicated wing, attract international scholars. Major restoration efforts in 1964 ensured its structural integrity, maintaining its role as a monument to Florence’s aristocratic and cultural history.