Palazzo Spinelli, Renaissance palazzo in central Florence, Italy
Palazzo Spinelli is a Renaissance building in Florence with a symmetrical facade, ornate stone decorations, and carefully proportioned windows distributed across multiple floors. The complex contains numerous rooms and workshops now used for teaching and hands-on restoration work.
Bernardo Rossellino designed this palazzo in the 15th century with architectural innovations that were later copied throughout Florence. The building remained in Florentine hands for centuries and was adapted several times before becoming the educational institution it is today.
The palazzo hosts the Istituto per l'Arte e il Restauro, where professionals from around the world learn restoration and conservation techniques on damaged artworks and historic buildings. Daily activities include hands-on training sessions and collaborative projects that keep the spaces dynamic and purposeful.
The building sits near the Santa Croce basilica and is visible from the street, but the interior is best explored through guided tours or during events. It helps to check ahead of time since access varies depending on ongoing courses and restoration projects.
The building functions today as a workshop-school where you can observe real restoration projects on actual artworks, not replicas or training models. Visitors can sometimes watch professionals working directly on valuable pieces, providing an immediate sense of this specialized craft.
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