Palazzo Columbia-Parlamento, Renaissance palace in central Florence, Italy
Palazzo Columbia-Parlamento is a Renaissance palace in Florence located where Borgo dei Greci and Via dei Leoni meet. The four-story structure features rusticated artificial stone blocks on its ground level, giving the facade a distinctive appearance.
When Florence served as Italy's capital from 1865 to 1871, the palace became known as the Hotel of Parliament and housed members of the Chamber of Deputies. This era established its importance as a key building in the nation's political history.
The first floor displays frescoes showing figures central to Italian unification like Giuseppe Garibaldi. These paintings mark the building's role during a pivotal moment in the nation's history.
The building now operates as the Bernini Palace Hotel and has undergone major renovations in 1989, 2011, and 2021 to meet modern standards. Being an active hotel, visitors should expect standard lobby access policies typical of such establishments.
The building rests on foundations of three 15th-century structures belonging to the Peruzzi family, located near where the ancient Porta Peruzza gate once stood in Florence's Roman defenses. These layers of history connect Renaissance architecture directly to the city's oldest remains.
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